Mikel Arteta reflects on 'life-changing' Newcastle United offer

Arteta, then a coach at Manchester City, was the club’s No.1 choice to succeed Rafa Benitez last summer.

However, Arteta, 37, opted to stay at the Premier League champions – and took over at this afternoon's opponents Arsenal in December.

“I was considering a situation at Newcastle that could change my professional and personal life,” said Arteta. “I had to put everything on the table to make that decision. I made the decision to stay where I was at the time.”

Newcastle turned to Steve Bruce, and Arteta said: “I believe that Newcastle are happy. What Steve has brought to the club has been really, really good. The performances and results, compared to where they were last year, are above any expectation. He’s put together a team with great spirit, and is a manager with massive, massive experience.”