Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta sends classy message to mentor Pep Guardiola after FA Cup win over Chelsea

MIKEL ARTETA has paid tribute to former mentor Pep Guardiola after guiding Arsenal to FA Cup glory in his first season in charge of the club.

The Gunners secured Europa League football for next term after they came back from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley on Saturday thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's double.

And Arteta – who has become the first person in Arsenal's history to win the FA Cup as a captain and manager -has thanked Guardiola for helping him become a gaffer.

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The 38-year-old spent three years working alongside Guardiola as his assistant manager at Manchester City, with the pair winning an abundance of trophies together.

And the Spaniard sent a classy message to his compatriot following the victory against the Blues.

Speaking to BT Sport, he said: "I miss my family so much they have been all the way with me.

"Thank you as well I have to thank you Pep in a very big way because I am a manager in a big part to him so I think I have to consider that as well."

Arteta also spoke on the future of skipper Aubameyang, who has just one year left to run on his contract at the Emirates.

The Gabon international failed to comment on his future after the match, but Arteta is confident he will extend his stay in North London.

He added: "He knows what I think about him, I want to build a squad around him. I want him to stay, it’s about getting the deal done.

"I think moments like this will help him to believe we are on the right path and he is a big part of it.

"He is loved by everyone at the club. I think he will [stay].”

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