Mikel Arteta hints he would be willing to manage England in future | arsenal

Mikel Arteta has hinted he would consider managing England at some point in the future because he has a “feeling” for the country, as Pep Guardiola has refused to rule out taking over a national team if he leaves Manchester City.

The Arsenal manager, who once considered the possibility of a move from Spain to England as a player under Fabio Capello, confirmed he was not among the ten candidates interviewed by the Football Association in its search for Gareth Southgate's successor. Arteta welcomed the appointment of Thomas Tuchel and said while he understood the argument that the England manager should be a homegrown coach, he dismissed suggestions that it was an indictment of coaching standards in this country.

“I understand the opinions and feelings,” said Arteta. “It is the FA's responsibility to say that the first filter is only English managers or that the filters are all managers from any country and we select the best for the moment we find ourselves in.” I understand, that not having an English manager can be sad for some people. History shows you how important this could be too.

“I think I would also be very proud of how many people would do anything to be England manager. It has to do with how we are treated as foreigners in this country, with the passion, respect, history and the way things are done in this country. I personally can say that if you're not from here. I think there are very few countries that can say that.”

Asked if he would only consider managing Spain if he ever decided to move into international management, Arteta added: “No – I'm telling you right now, the feeling that I have been since I've been here for 22 years. I have this feeling because I always feel respected, welcomed and inspired by this country and the history of football and the way you are treated on a daily basis. I think that’s something to be really proud of.”

Arteta represented Spain at several youth levels but never won a cap for the senior team. Capello had hoped the midfielder could be selected for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as he had lived in the country for more than five years before FIFA excluded him. “I would have done it,” said Arteta. “I'm very proud of it. I was very realistic when I looked at the players Spain had at the time and how big of a challenge I had. You have to know your level, this is very important. Look in the mirror. In the end it didn't happen. But it was good to at least think about it.”

Guardiola refused to comment on whether he was approached by the FA in the summer. However, when asked if he would like to move into international management one day, the 53-year-old said “yes” and also supported the FA's decision to look abroad for Southgate's replacement. “Thomas Tuchel is the manager. So forget it,” Guardiola said. “I am the manager of Man City. The conversations I'm having are with Man City. That's it. Tuchel is already the manager. Thomas is here. That's the most important thing. The rest is not important.”

Guardiola added: “The association has chosen a foreign coach who is known and recognized for his talent and I wish him all the best. “I will support him unconditionally because he will represent your country best because he is with will give the best of his knowledge and wisdom. When he wins he is fully appreciated and when he loses he is criticized. It doesn't matter whether he is a foreigner or not. The FA has decided that he is the right person to lead this transition and follow the incredible work that Gareth Southgate has done.”

Bukayo Saka is expected to feature for Arsenal against Bournemouth on Saturday despite withdrawing early from England, while Kai Havertz is also expected to feature after not being part of the Germany squad during the international break. Arsenal have a chance to go top of the table before Manchester City and Liverpool play on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere will take charge of his final game as manager of Arsenal's under-18 team at the weekend as he looks set to move to Norwich as first-team coach. “He was great,” Arteta said of the former Arsenal and England midfielder. “Everyone knows his career, his character and he is a very special personality. His connection to the football club is unique.

“He has this aura and this charisma and a way of connecting with people. He was an inspiration to the children because of his story, his actions and the way he did it. What happens next is his decision.”