Mikel Arteta has refused to open fire on Manchester City despite their recent guilty verdict, insisting he “trusts the club” and “will respect the process” until all legal procedures are complete and a final decision is made.
It was announced over the international break that City were found guilty of 114 financial rule breaches by an independent commission, with the club using “sham” contracts and disguised funding that amounted to more than £900m over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.
City have since launched an appeal against the verdict and maintain total innocence, with manager [Enzo Maresca](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cmzxjdvv784xo) stating full trust in the ownership and believes the club will clear their name through the appeal process.
Arteta worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant coach at City between 2016 and 2019, and was part of the coaching staff that oversaw two Premier League title wins during that period.
“I trust the club now, in the future, always. I completely trust the club,” said the Spaniard. “Fully understand the question, but I will respect the process, it is still an ongoing process that is not resolved because it has been appealed.
“My position and the club’s position is not to make any further comment until it is resolved. “We’re preparing to play Leeds and be in the best condition and that’s what we’ll do tomorrow.”
The 44-year-old was also asked about putting pen to paper on a new four-year deal this week, which would take him up to at least a decade in charge at Emirates Stadium barring any shock departure.
Arteta is already the longest-serving manager across all four English leagues and retains full backing of the club after winning the Premier League last season.
“My family and I, we’re very grateful to be able to enjoy this unbelievable right to continue,” he told reporters. “I said from the beginning that me and the club wanted the same thing but I loved the way it was handled.
“The most important thing is at the end, when you’re about to sign, looking around the room and seeing excitement in their eyes. “That’s what I took from Stan and Josh especially, and then from Rich (Garlick), James (King) and Andrea (Berta) of course.
“Now I have to earn the right every single day to continue at this level, and make the most of it.”
The defending champions were beaten by Brighton in their last game and sit three points behind Manchester City in the table.