Mikel Arteta revealed he has missed our supporters as we prepare for our first home game of the season against Leeds United.
After picking up three points at Old Trafford last weekend, we return home to take on the newly-promoted outfit on Saturday evening, and the boss is delighted to be back in N5.
"It’s always very special," Mikel said at his pre-match press conference.
"I think everybody is very excited for the first game, it builds a different energy around the stadium.
"I’m sure they have missed it; they missed the team. We have certainly missed our supporters and that connection. Tomorrow, I’m sure from the first whistle, I think everybody is going to be at it and we’re going to have a good game."
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Leeds won the Championship in 2024/25 with 100 points and got off to the perfect start on their return to the top flight, beating Everton 1-0 courtesy of Lukas Nmecha's late penalty.
Mikel has been following the Yorkshire club since last season and has been impressed with Daniel Farke's side.
He said: "I've been watching them, what they did in pre-season, what they did on Monday, what they did last year, in the manner that they did it. Big compliments to the way they play, to the coach. I'm sure they're going to put a really difficult match against us.
"It's an incredible club, incredible history as well. I’ve been here long enough to understand the history of that club. As I said, very special, one big city with just one club. So passionate, and you know what happens when you go there and play. It's great to have them back, wish them all the best, apart from tomorrow."
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