Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken of a ‘special’ return to Ibrox this coming weekend but his words don’t quite stand up to scrutiny.
Since he left Ibrox in 2004, the man from San Sebastian in Spain has not been back to the southside of Glasgow.
Nothing quite wrong with that in itself, but given all that Rangers have been through, good and bad, since his time at the club, surely a return to a place so ‘special’ would have been done long ago?
The Gunners boss was speaking to Sky Sports following his side’s loss to Hibs at Easter Road, earlier this week.
💙"I haven't been at Ibrox since I left – it is going to be special."
Mikel Arteta says he can't wait to return to Ibrox this weekend as Arsenal take on former club Rangers in a pre-season friendly. What is your favourite memory from the midfielder's time in Glasgow? pic.twitter.com/zV93Vgar7P
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) July 13, 2021
“It’s so special. I haven’t been at Ibrox since I left.”
“It’s just a shame that we’re not going to have a big crowd, but it’s a special day for me, for sure.”
Legacy
Nice words, yes, but the jury is out on how genuine the sentiment actually is.
Regardless of that and even the game this weekend, Arteta’s place in Rangers history is secured thanks to his contribution on the last day of the season, back in 2002/03.
It was his penalty against Dunfermline, late in the game at Ibrox, that put a seal on the title after Celtic floundered at Kilmarnock – Rangers 50th Scottish title was won.
That is the main memory most supporters will hold of Arteta, despite everything that happened following his departure from Glasgow.
Hopefully it won’t be another 17 years until his next visit to Edmiston Drive.