Mikel Arteta admits it is a 'strange feeling' to compete against Pep Guardiola for major honours

Mikel Arteta has claimed he would rather be competing for major honours with someone other than Pep Guardiola, after the two friends prepare to go head-to-head in both the FA Cup and Premier League this season.

Arteta said Friday's fourth round FA Cup tie will tell him a lot about where his Arsenal side are, having repeated his claim that Manchester City are 'the best football team in the world.

The Spaniard will be reunited on the touchline with Guardiola, who he supported as an assistant manager between 2016 to 2019, before leaving to become Arsenal boss.

Arteta insisted their close relationship would not be impacted by their respective sides competing for major honours.

'I always hoped it would be the case one day and it is happening this season,' Arteta said.

'It will not change our friendship and how important he is in my life and in our profession.