'He changed my life' - Mikel Arteta reveals surprise figure who gave him the belief to succeed at Arsenal

Since Arteta took over at Arsenal in 2019 and has now led the Gunners to two straight title race battles against Premier League heavyweights Manchester City. The Arsenal boss had a difficult start to life in London, however, he has revealed that it was Gaspar who gave him the will to succeed at the club.

Speaking to ESPN Brasil, the Spaniard said [via SportsWitness]: "From the moment they brought Edu in, it was an absolute success. Someone who was a player and was absurdly successful at the club, who knew the culture and had a clear vision of how to win

"He changed my life, because he had the courage to trust me without having been a coach, at such a big club and at a difficult time. You have to have a lot of personality to do that."

Arteta is currently leading his men into their second straight Premier League title race. As it stands, the Gunners sit atop the English top division, one point clear of second-placed Man City, who have a game in hand over Arsenal. However, with Pep Guardiola's men yet to face Tottenham Hotspur, Arteta will be hopeful that Arsenal's bitter North London rivals could spring a surprise on Man City and put the title firmly in Arsenal's hands.

Arsenal will now be in action at Old Trafford when they take on Manchester United on Sunday, May 17. With Man City set to play on Saturday, there could be a chance that Arsenal will have to reclaim the top spot with a win in Manchester.