Mikel Arteta made over 200 appearances for Everton during his playing career.
David Moyes signed Mikel Arteta back in January 2005, and the Spanish midfielder spent well over six years on Merseyside.
Arteta was a key player in Everton’s most successful times in the Premier League era, and so he still has a strong connection to the club even as Arsenal manager.
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Arteta recently hailed Moyes after the Toffees fell to a late defeat at the Emirates Stadium, explaining that the Scotsman is so good at setting up his side.
Now, the Gunners boss has just revealed that he’s still best friends with one of his former Everton teammates.
Everton duo Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill.
Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
Mikel Arteta says Tim Cahill is still one of his best friends
Speaking to Stan Sport’s YouTube channel, Arteta revealed that he still remains in close contact with former Everton star Tim Cahill.
“Tim obviously is one of my greatest friends,” the Arsenal manager stated.
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“We were together this week for two or three days together. And yeah, I think he’s someone that believes in me and in what I wanted to achieve.
“Everybody needs support and obviously when your loved ones are right next to you in difficult times, it is the most important part.”
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Romelu Lukaku of Everton celebrates his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Hull City and Everton
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Cahill has constantly defended Arteta in his punditry and recently explained in January that the Spaniard has matured a lot.
“Mikel Arteta has matured over the years,” the Australian explained.
“When you’re a club, owners, CEO you have to stick by your beliefs and they believed in Mikel. Mikel is a young coach, but he has done so much with this AFC team already.
“He has brought belief, a philosophy and a mentality. Arsenal took the risk, and now they are seeing the fruits. Not in terms of trophies, which I think will come, but they are competing, and when you’re competing, you have a chance.”
It’s certainly nice to see two former Everton players remain such great friends all these years later, and it shows what a brilliant dressing room Moyes was able to manufacture.
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