'Totally Fake News...I'm Really Upset': Mikel Arteta Claps Back At Barcelona Managerial Rumours

In the latest turn of events, Mikel Arteta has hit back at claims he could leave Arsenal at the end of the season and head to Barcelona to replace Xavi.

Xavi, following the Blaugrana’s embarrassing 5-3 loss to Villareal on Sunday, broke his silence and announced his intention to leave Camp Nou at the end of the season.

Following this, speculations of Spaniard Mikel Arteta taking over the role in Barcelona flooded the footballing world. And soon enough, the Arsenal boss had enough and came out to comment on the same.

“Totally fake news. I don’t know where it is coming from. It is totally untrue. I am really upset about it. I could not believe it. No source, nothing. You have to be cautious when you talk about personal things,” exclaimed a spirited Arteta, who was travelling with his North London side ahead of their fixture against Nottingham Forest.

When asked about why the recent reports upset the Spaniard, Arteta replied, “One is a consequence of the other. First of all I’m really cautious when I talk publicly about my personal things. When someone puts a statement about what we’ve done personally.

“Secondly because I don’t think someone deserves to hear news like that. I’ve always said completely the opposite. That’s why I feel upset.”

The past weekend has been an eventful one in the world of football, with two managers of marquee clubs announcing their departure from their respective clubs by the end of the season.

First, it was Jurgen Klopp who shocked the world with his announcement that he was stepping down from the managerial position by the end of the season, after eight-and-a-half outstandingly successful years at the helm.

Klopp disclosed in an emotional interview with Liverpool that it was merely his age catching up to him, which led him to make the difficult call, and nothing else.

Next up was Barcelona coach Xavi, who also confirmed that he will step down from his role following the conclusion of the ongoing season.

In this time of uncertainty, Arsenal for one would have been extremely happy to listen to Arteta’c clapback to the rumours.