Man City left shocked after Arsenal fail to tell them when Arteta announcement was going out

Manchester City were left shocked by the timing of Arsenal’s official announcement of their appointment of Mikel Arteta after finding out by turning on a TV after Pep Guardiola’s press conference.

City had expected some communication from Arsenal as to when they planned to make their statement on social media.

And they were surprised when they saw Arsenal’s social media feeds and rolling news channels abuzz with the breaking news, released shortly after 2pm on Friday afternoon.

Though Guardiola and City were obviously aware that Arteta’s appointment at the Emirates Stadium was imminent, they didn’t expect the news to be announced so soon.

Arteta, who has been City’s assistant manager over the last 18 months, finalised his move on Friday having kept Guardiola informed of his movements over the last week.

The 37-year-old said farewell to City’s squad on Thursday ahead of his unveiling at the Emirates Stadium.

Pep Guardiola spoke about Arteta’s move to Arsenal during his pre-match press conference 

The Spaniard has returned to his former club as the long-term replacement for Unai Emery

And Guardiola said in his press conference: ‘He’s in London and close to finishing the deal with Arsenal. It’s almost done.

‘Yesterday and today he didn’t train and he’s going to Arsenal. I don’t know the last details of the contract but it’s there.

‘He decided to move. You can’t stop it, you have to follow your dreams. Arsenal was an important part of his career for him.

The 37-year old made 150 appearances for the Gunners after joining the club back in 2011

Arteta has left his role as Pep Guardiola’s (left) assistant at Manchester City

‘They are one of the best teams in England. We wish him all the best and I’m pretty certain he’ll do a good job.

‘It is hard to sustain it. If you don’t win, you can be sacked. Before it was just one camera and it was easier but it’s changed a lot.’