Mikel Arteta, known in the martial arts world as Brother Ta, is a former Arsenal player, current Manchester City Assistant Coach, and future Arsenal Coach.
During the match between Sunderland and Manchester City, Zhao Zhao and Mikel Arteta had a brief encounter, just a handshake, and there wasn't much interaction between them.
— Uh, well, actually, it was mainly because Zhao Zhao was constantly being engrossed in tactical discussions by Guardiola, so he really had no time for anyone else!
But why did Mikel Arteta come here today?
He seemed quite familiar with Alonso.
Even when Mikel Arteta came over, he greeted Alonso's children...
Zhao Zhao's mind quickly raced, trying to find a connection between the two.
Right, they are both Spanish, of similar age, perhaps they both played for the Spain national team at some point?
That's not right either.
Unlike the immensely successful Alonso, Mikel Arteta wasn't as strong during his playing days, and the glory of the Spain national team had little to do with him.
Former club teammates?
Mikel Arteta seemed to have spent a season at Real Sociedad, but it didn't seem like he had any overlap with Alonso?
As for other teams, there was even less of a connection.
Mikel Arteta came from Barça's youth academy, and also played for Paris Saint-Germain, Glasgow Rangers, and then in the Premier League for Everton and Arsenal; he really never played with Alonso!
That's strange.
"Haha, stop racking your brain," Alonso said, noticing Zhao Zhao's confusion, and explained, "He's my childhood friend. We fought side by side at the Antiguoko club when we were very young, and we only separated in 1999."
By this time, Mikel Arteta had also walked over, smiling as he continued, "Yes, I went to Barça B team, and he and his brother joined Real Sociedad B team."
"Yes, we were together for nine years, so we became good friends," Alonso laughed heartily. "Of course, we also have another good friend named Iraola, but you probably don't know him."
"Oh..." Zhao Zhao finally understood.
So they had this kind of relationship, he really hadn't expected it.
However, Zhao Zhao did know about Iraola, whom Alonso mentioned.
He was also a Spanish player who once played for Athletic Bilbao and later, after retiring, became the Coach of Premier League Bournemouth.
Holy cow, these three childhood friends all became professional players in top Leagues in the future, and even became Coaches of top League teams...
What kind of fate is this!
Or, to put it another way, the Basque region truly is a place of extraordinary talent!
"His child is playing a match today, so he asked me to come watch with him," Mikel Arteta said, pointing at Alonso, then asked Zhao Zhao, "I'm curious why you're here. You're not going to ask him not to retire and come play for your team, are you? Haha..."
"No. He's asking me to be an Assistant Coach at Sunderland," Alonso interjected, "What do you think, Mikel?"
"Oh?" Mikel Arteta was clearly a bit surprised.
He slowly sat down next to Alonso, with Zhao Zhao on one side and him on the other.
Then, he thought for a moment, looked up at Alonso: "How do you think I'm doing now?"
Alonso nodded: "Very good. You just retired last year and were invited by Guardiola to join the Manchester City coaching staff; there's no better choice than that. Learning alongside such a world-renowned Coach, I believe you'll soon have the ability to Coach independently!"
Mikel Arteta nodded gently.
When he retired last year, he was actually only 34 years old, and he could have continued playing for Arsenal.
But it was precisely because of the opportunity to learn alongside Guardiola that he decisively retired and joined the Manchester City coaching staff.
As for why Guardiola admired Mikel Arteta so much, it actually started many years ago during their time at Barça.
Although Mikel Arteta was never able to play for Barça's first team, and Guardiola was Barça's Captain, this did not prevent these two people who played similar positions from appreciating each other.
Mikel Arteta once spoke in an interview about Guardiola's influence on him, "He brought me inspiration and friendship, and also helped me have different ideas about football and life."
And Guardiola said that when he came to England in the summer of 2016, he needed someone familiar with the Premier League to help him.
Mikel Arteta had been in the Premier League for many years and knew everything about the local scene, so he became Guardiola's "guide" in the Premier League, allowing him to grasp the country and the League in the shortest possible time.
Guardiola also said that he "benefited greatly" from Mikel Arteta.
From the statements of these two, it can be seen that their relationship is also very good.
Of course, the most crucial thing was that Mikel Arteta himself wanted to become an excellent Coach, and Guardiola was obviously a very worthy person to learn from.
This was why he asked Alonso that question.
So, after Alonso answered, Mikel Arteta pointed at Zhao Zhao: "You know, ever since Manchester City played Sunderland, Pep has often mentioned this young man to me. He said, Zhao Zhao is one of the most talented Coaches he has ever seen!"
Alonso shrugged: "Well, I have heard that. I also heard that Pep directly called him a genius."
"Haha... that's just how he is, he's not stingy with his words when praising people," Mikel Arteta smiled, then said seriously, "But I really do think so too. Or, you could say, as long as you've faced him head-on, you'll know how difficult his team is to deal with! Don't let his youth fool you, working with him will definitely help you!"
Alonso looked seriously at Mikel Arteta, then at Zhao Zhao.
Zhao Zhao, on the other hand, pouted and said nothing.
It was clear that although Mikel Arteta's appearance at this moment seemed like an uninvited guest, he was here to assist.
Having a childhood friend like him speak for him was much more effective than persuading Alonso himself!
So Zhao Zhao just stood by as a quiet, handsome man, enjoying Mikel Arteta's "praise" of him.
At this moment, Alonso also nodded: "Indeed, everyone can see this. Leading a team of average strength like Sunderland to defeat Manchester United and Manchester City, and successfully securing their Premier League status at the last moment, is truly not something any Coach can just do. If it weren't for this, this meeting wouldn't even exist today..."
"So?" Zhao Zhao finally asked.
"I promise you, I will go to Sunderland," Alonso finally made up his mind, "But I need some time, because I need to explain to my wife and children..."
"Haha, no problem, family first!" Zhao Zhao nodded with relief.
It seems this trip was not in vain, it's already settled!
Hearing Alonso say this, Mikel Arteta also happily patted his shoulder: "I hope when we meet in the Premier League, you don't wet your pants!"
Alonso then stood up and kicked Mikel Arteta's backside:
"Just you wait, I was better than you when we played, and I'll be better than you as a Coach too! Haha!"