Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been recognised with a ‘rare’ award that Pep Guardiola has never won.
Since taking over as manager of Arsenal in December 2019, Mikel Arteta has done a remarkable job of transforming the once underperforming team into a consistent contender for the Premier League title.
The Gunners had a strong lead going into the last day of the previous season before losing out, but this time around they have an opportunity to prevent Manchester City from winning the championship for the fourth time in a row.
Arsenal now ranks among the top teams in Europe to watch because to Arteta’s style implementation at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta received the Officer’s Cross of The Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic on Wednesday in honour of his efforts and past football-related accomplishments.
A Spanish civic order of chivalry and honour, the award is given to people who have distinguished themselves in service to Spain or have advanced international ties and collaboration with other countries.
Introduced in 1815, the Grand Chancellor, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the King of Spain bestow this extremely coveted and uncommon honour.
Unexpectedly, for one of the greatest managers in history, Pep Guardiola has never been bestowed with the same accolade.
The Man City manager did, however, get the Royal Order of Sports Merit in 2010—an order that is meant to honour excellent service in sports.
From 2016 to 2019, Arteta served as Guardiola’s assistant coach at City for three years.
Arteta, accompanied by his family, accepted the order in the Spanish Embassy in London and declared, “I am honoured and humbled to receive The Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic.
“To be here at the Spanish Embassy in London, accepting this award with so many others who have inspired me throughout my life, is a genuinely beautiful experience.
“This prestigious award bestowed on me is dedicated to all the special people in my life who have shaped my journey so far, helping me through challenges and celebrating the successes together.”
“Mikel is a respected and loved figure in the Spanish and British football community,” stated Jose Pascual Marco, the Spanish ambassador to the United Kingdom. He has been successful in strengthening the bond between the two nations via the common language of football.”