Follow Al Rai
Spaniard Mikel Arteta has promised that it is "just the beginning of what can be achieved together," after signing a new contract that keeps him until 2030 as manager of Arsenal, whom he led last season to their first English football league title since 2004.
The Spanish manager's current contract with the "Gunners" was set to expire at the end of the current season, but if he remains in his post until the end of his new deal, he will have spent more than a decade at the Emirates Stadium.
The club said in a statement that the new agreement, which had been expected for some time, "reflects our shared belief that the progress we have made and the success of last season mark the beginning of a special period in our history."
Reports stated that Arteta received a significant salary increase after leading Arsenal to their first league title in 22 years, following three consecutive seasons as runners-up.
The 44-year-old said: "It is an honour to commit my future to the club and to continue working with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal," adding: "This club is unique, with its own character and the feeling it gives you, and I feel immense pride that our journey together will continue."
He continued: "We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and what is truly exciting is that this is just the beginning of what we can achieve together."
Arteta took charge of the North London club in December 2019, succeeding his compatriot Unai Emery, after having represented them as a player between 2011 and 2016. He led the team's return to the summit of English football, granting them their first Premier League title since 2004 and the golden era days under French manager Arsène Wenger.
He also led the "Gunners" last season to their first UEFA Champions League final since 2006, but they lost to France's Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
With the departure of his compatriot Pep Guardiola from Manchester City at the end of last season, Arteta has become the longest-serving current manager in the league.
Arsenal currently occupy second place in the league, three points behind leaders Manchester City, following a surprise 0-3 defeat against Brighton before the international break.
Club co-chairs Stan and Josh Kroenke said: "It has been an incredible journey so far and we are excited about what lies ahead in this special relationship," before adding: "Last season was an exceptional moment in Arsenal's history, a moment when we created memories that will last a lifetime. We are determined to create many more in the coming years."
They continued: "We share a special relationship with Mikel. We feel immense pride in everything we have achieved since his return to the club in 2019."
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday with a home match against Leeds United.
Know more about this story?Send us a tip
Ask about this report — answers stay grounded in its text.
