Arsenal - Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta took time out from Arsenal’s busy schedule during the September international break to deliver a motivational talk to aspiring managers on the Football Association of Wales’ UEFA Pro Licence programme, the FAW has confirmed.
The 44-year-old, who led Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years and their first Champions League final since 2006 last season, returned to the coaching setup where he first earned his own badges.
Arteta joined the current Pro Licence cohort for a question-and-answer session on management, discussing leadership, philosophy, culture and performance.
Wales chief football officer David Adams praised Arteta’s contribution to the session.
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“Incredible insight from our UEFA Cymru Pro Licence graduate,” Adams wrote on X.
“As expected, extreme humility, respect to share what it takes to thrive at the highest level,” he added. “Our appreciation to Arteta.”
The official FAW coaching account also posted about the session on X, calling it valuable input for the group.
“Great insight today for the UEFA Pro Licence cohort, with Mikel Arteta joining us for a thought-provoking Q&A,” the post read.
“Discussing leadership, philosophy, culture and performance, there was plenty for coaches to reflect on and apply to their own environments,” it continued.
Great insight today for the @UEFA Pro Licence cohort, with Mikel Arteta joining us for a thought provoking Q&A. Discussing leadership, philosophy, culture and performance, there was plenty for coaches to reflect on and apply to their own environments. pic.twitter.com/CuWNYXNzRB
— ⚽️ FAW Coaching (@FAWCoachEd) September 23, 2026
Arteta was pictured sitting at a table for the session, with Arsenal imagery visible on the wall behind him.
The Spaniard earned his UEFA A Licence and Pro Licence through the FAW while he was still playing for Arsenal and later working as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.
He has returned to speak to FAW coaching groups on several occasions since retiring as a player in 2016.
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The FAW’s Pro Licence programme, based at Dragon Park in Newport, has produced a string of high-profile graduates besides Arteta, including Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Roberto Martinez.
Arteta took charge of Arsenal in December 2019 and won the FA Cup in his first season. He ended the club’s wait for a league title by guiding them to the Premier League crown last term, finishing seven points clear of Manchester City.
Arsenal also reached the Champions League final for only the second time in their history, having last appeared in the showpiece in 2006, when they lost to Barcelona.
Their run to Budapest last season came via a 2-1 aggregate win over Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.
Arteta’s latest visit to the FAW underlines the close ties he has kept with the association that trained him, even after reaching the top of his profession with Arsenal.