Mikel Arteta says taking the Arsenal manager's job is a dream come true.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola's former assistant was confirmed as the club's new boss last week, three years after hanging up his boots when he was their captain.

"I remember the last time I was going down the tunnel, with my kids in my arms," Arteta recalled in an interview with the club's official website.

"I said to my wife, 'One day I will come back here as the manager'. It has come a little quicker than I expected but that was a dream.

"I've got more family now - I've got more kids! I've had more experiences but I had a very clear idea of what I wanted to do so, two years before my retirement, I started to do my coaching badges.

"I already had that feeling that I wanted to try this game over that line, and I am really happy where I am."