Yesterday, Mikel Arteta, accompanied by his wife Lorena, was honored at the Spanish embassy in London with The Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic, a distinguished civil accolade bestowed by the King of Spain and the Grand Chancellor, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Alongside his coaching team, executive members, and the board, Arteta graciously accepted the award, which recognizes individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to Spain or the advancement of international relations and cooperation.
This accolade highlights Arteta’s enduring commitment to football in the British Isles. (And, on a lighter note, the mystery of Lord Harris of Peckham’s tie remains unsolved.)
After a stint with Rangers in 2002, he briefly played for Real Sociedad before joining Everton in 2005, where he enjoyed a six-year tenure prior to his move to the Gunners.
Following a five-year spell at Emirates Stadium, he transitioned into coaching with Manchester City for three years before rejoining N5 in 2019 to assume the managerial role.
Reflecting on the honour, Arteta told AS: “This recognition may be for me, but above all it’s for those who have been by my side and those who have made it possible for me to be away [from Spain] for so many years, for me to be fulfilling my dreams, for the moments of difficulty to have been spent with them. Also, it realises that I always, in some way, transmit everything I feel about my country and people recognise it, and that is very nice.”
When asked about the possibility of returning to Spain in the near future, he expressed, “I have always thought that one day I will return. My homeland holds a strong allure for me, with its way of life and sense of community.”
“The culture of the wonderful country we have makes me keep that in mind, but I am happy here. I am super grateful for how they treat me but I really enjoy my job. Someday [my return] will come, I guess I won’t be away all my life.”
He reiterated to everyone inquiring about Sunday’s final game of the season that he still harbors hopes for a dramatic twist in the title race.
“On Sunday we are going to live a wonderful day. It is the first time since the Emirates Stadium was built that the Premier League [trophy] will be there waiting for us, with the red ribbons.
“If we win and they don’t win, it’s for us. That is beautiful and you have to live it.”
Last week, outgoing Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham graciously accepted the OBE awarded to him in the New Year’s Honours List at Windsor Castle.
The Prince of Wales presented the honor, a fitting acknowledgment of Vinai’s contributions at Arsenal and beyond as he embarks on new endeavors. Best wishes to him in his future pursuits.
