Mikel Arteta feels he did not let down Everton with the manner of his exit to Arsenal on transfer deadline day.
Spanish star admits move was too good to turn down
Mikel Arteta feels he did not let down Everton with the manner of his exit to Arsenal on transfer deadline day.
The Spaniard sealed a late switch to the Emirates after indicating to Everton boss David Moyes he wanted to leave Goodison Park.
Arteta believes the chance to move to Arsenal was too good to turn down the playmaker reportedly even taking a pay cut to secure the move.
The Spaniard's late decision to force through a transfer on Wednesday night when the Toffees had initially turned down a £10million bid from the Gunners somewhat soured his exit and it came so late it gave Everton no chance to find an adequate replacement.
However, Arteta insists he gave his all to the club while he was there and hoped fans remembered that.
"It is a big opportunity for me and my family and I think it is the right time for me to take it," said Arteta.
"It is a big challenge, a different challenge, fresh for me and I want to see myself on the biggest stage, the Champions League.
"I am 29 years old so I haven't got much time left to take a chance like this one. I think I have done my best for Everton.
"I always try hard, I have been as professional as I could and I was grateful for the support and the love that the club and the fans showed me."
Goodbye
Arteta admits it was a wrench to leave Goodison Park but will always have fond memories of his six and a half years on Merseyside.
"It is very difficult to say goodbye. I still can't believe it but at the same time I think it is the right moment for everyone," added Arteta.
"That is the way football is, there is always a start and an end and today is the end of probably the best time of my career. I am never going to forget it.
"It has been crazy. I can't believe what happened, and the way it happened but as I said, that is part of football and I am going to be playing for another club soon.
"Obviously I am never going to forget what I have done here and what the people and this club have done for me."
