Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has explained why his former assistant Mikel Arteta left the club to manage Arsenal, who are currently top of the Premier League table.
Five Man City Stars Currently 'Unhappy' With Pep
The title race for now appears to be between league leaders Arsenal and the Citizens, who have won four of the past five EPL titles.
Prior to the Gunners' resurgence, Arteta was an assistant coach to Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, but eventually parted ways with his countryman after accepting the opportunity to manage the London giants.
Guardiola believes it was clear that Arteta always held a special place in his heart for Arsenal, admitting that he would have done the same if he were in the young tactician's shoes.
"We felt if one team could offer him (a job) as manager he would leave," he told reporters, according to the Evening Standard.
"I am not a guy to say: 'Stay with me'. Everyone has dreams. I know he went to his club, a supporter, he was a captain there. He loves the club.
"I remember here, when we score goals, he jumps a lot except one team. He was sitting there. It was Arsenal. I said, 'That guy likes Arsenal'!
"Like here, if I'm training as assistant and Barcelona call me, I go.
"People have to fly when [they believe] it is best. To players, if they are not happy, they have to leave, life is too short."
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