In a revealing interview that highlights the complex emotions of professional footballers, former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has openly declared his support for Mikel Arteta to lead Arsenal to Premier League glory this season. Despite his history with both clubs, Sagna's heart appears to lean toward the Gunners as the title race reaches its climax.
A Defender's Divided Loyalties
Sagna, who made 213 Premier League appearances for Arsenal after joining from Auxerre in 2007, established himself as one of the league's most formidable right-backs during his seven-year stint in North London. The French international eventually moved to Manchester City on a free transfer, creating a unique perspective on the current title battle between his two former clubs.
'I have a lot of love and respect for both clubs,' Sagna confessed during an interview with Ladbrokes at the launch of their 'Ladisfaction' promotion. 'Of course, I am more Arsenal orientated, because I played there for seven years. I had a strong history with Arsenal, my kids were born while I was playing there, I also lost my brother while I was playing for them and they've always been like a family for me.'
Arteta: The Right Man for Arsenal
Sagna reserved particular praise for current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, his former teammate during their playing days together at the Emirates Stadium. The defender expressed unwavering confidence in Arteta's ability to navigate the intense pressure of a Premier League title race.
'Mikel Arteta is the man for the situation Arsenal are in right now,' Sagna emphasized. 'When you see that Arsenal have finished second for the past three years, anyone who has played in the Premier League knows how difficult it is to maintain that level, and keep fighting for titles, over such a long period of time.'
The former defender highlighted Arsenal's strategic squad development as a key factor in their current position. 'Man City, for those first couple of seasons, were out of reach, due to the depth of their squad. Arsenal have been able to build up slowly and add depth with every transfer window, and this is why they're now in the position they're in.'
Building a Complete Squad
Sagna pointed to Arsenal's improved squad depth as evidence of Arteta's transformative work at the club. 'In previous years, if one player from the starting eleven was injured, it would have a huge impact on the team, and on results. But now, there is cover in every position, and so much quality on the bench.'
The Frenchman continued: 'The team is so good, and that's down to Mikel. He started with Edu, and he built this team into what it is today, and got the club challenging again. I've witnessed it up close, because I was travelling with the team in pre-season.'
Personal Connection and Managerial Qualities
Sagna's admiration for Arteta extends beyond tactical acumen to personal character. 'I'm praying for him to win the league this year, honestly. He deserves it because of the way he treats people. He treats people equally and gives people opportunities. Whether it's on or off the pitch, he gives people the chance to bring something else to the game.'
The defender drew an interesting comparison between Arteta and Manchester City's Pep Guardiola. 'He has a human side that not many people have. Pep has a human side too, even when people are criticising him, Pep has a big heart. But Mikel is the same.'
Why Arsenal Deserves Success
When pressed about his ultimate preference in the title race, Sagna revealed his leaning toward Arsenal. 'If I had to choose one of them to win the league this season, I might go for Arsenal, because Man City have won it so many times over the last few years, and it won't change anything for them. For me they will still remain the best team in the world over the past five years.'
Sagna concluded with emotional reasoning: 'So, I would like to see a change, and I would like to see Arsenal finally rewarded for a lot of hard work that's gone into the last few years. Those fans have shown me a lot of love, and so I want to see them celebrating at the end of the season.'
The former defender ended with a lighthearted admission about his ongoing divided loyalties: 'And then I'll go back to 55% Arsenal, 45% Man City!'
