Everton fans' feelings towards Mikel Arteta were made clear when the Arsenal manager appeared on the big screen at Goodison Park.
It was an emotional day in Merseyside as Toffees' supporters lined the stands of Goodison Park to say farewell to their beloved ground which has been the home of Everton for over 100 years. Everton will play at their newly built stadium next season at Bramley-Moore Dock which has officially been named 'Hill Dickinson Stadium.'
David Moyes' side said goodbye in fashion as they beat Southampton 2-0 thanks to an Iliman Ndiaye brace. After the full-time whistle was blown, a roll of tributes was shown on the big screens within the ground.
A series of players, managers and fans who represented the club were shown including Carlo Ancelotti, Sylvester Stallone - who is a known fan of the club - and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta who made almost 200 appearances for Everton. When the Spaniard's face was displayed, the Toffees' supporters showed their true feelings regarding their former player.
Phil McNulty, chief football writer at the BBC, detailed the occasion on X (formerly Twitter) as he said: "Very, very warm ovation for Arsenal manager and former Everton midfield man Mikel Arteta when his face appears on the big screen to deliver a message about Goodison Park."
Everton fans gathered ahead of the Toffees' final game at Goodison Park
Everton fans gathered ahead of the Toffees' final game at Goodison Park (Image: Getty Images)
Moyes was in charge of Everton in 2005 when he signed Arteta from Real Sociedad for £2m after a successful loan spell with the club. The Gunners boss was a catalyst in the Toffees achieving Champions League football.
In the 2006/07 season, Arteta beat Cristiano Ronaldo to the Premier League's 'Midfielder of the Year' award as voted by viewers of Sky Sports. He also earned back-to-back 'Player of the Season Award' at the club.
Even though Arteta left Merseyside in 2011 to join Arsenal for £10m, it is clear to see from the reaction at Goodison Park that the Everton supporters haven't forgotten what he did for the club.
Unfortunately there was no chance that the Gunners boss could attend the farewell that featured several Everton icons. Arteta's focus will be on their home clash against top-four rivals Newcastle United. A win would secure Champions League football for Arsenal.