Pep Guardiola reveals the exact moment he knew Mikel Arteta was going to be Arsenal manager

Pep Guardiola has revealed what his ex-assistant Mikel Arteta used to do when Manchester City scored against Arsenal.

Guardiola and Arteta put their managerial wits against each other as Man City host Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday.

It will be the first meeting between the two sides this season, with two Premier League fixtures slated for later this year.

And ahead of the cup clash at the Etihad, Guardiola revealed what Arteta used to do when Man City scored a goal against Arsenal, in a sign he was destined to manage the Gunners.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, the former Barcelona boss said the ex-Arsenal midfielder would never celebrate a goal against his old team during his spell as Man City assistant.

"I said many times to my players and staff. I had many assistant coaches and I said I don't want anyone who doesn't agree with me. We felt if one team could offer him to be manager he would leave," he said.

Guardiola added: "It could happen one or two years before, it didn't happen. I am not a guy to say no you have to stay with me. Everyone has dreams.

"I know he went to his club, the team he dreams of. He's a supporter, for the fact he played there, he was a captain there. He loves the club.

"I remember when we were together here when we score goals, he jumps a lot and celebrates except one team. One team every time we score a goal, I jump, look back, and he was sitting there. It was Arsenal. It was that moment I said that guy likes Arsenal."

Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta celebrate during their time together at Manchester City. Image: Alamy

The Blues boss continued: "Like me, training here or Barcelona if I'm training as assistant and Barcelona call me, I will go. My club. I'm not a person to say stay here and sign a contract. People have to fly when he believes is the best.

"To players I said many times if they are not happy, they have to leave, life is too short. Especially players. Spend time in a place you believe suits you better, if it's a bad place or you don't like it, leave."

Arteta has worked wonders at Arsenal this season, steering them to the top of the table, five points clear of second-placed Man City.

Having won the FA Cup as Arsenal manager in 2020, the Spaniard will look to get one over his former boss in a bid to reclaim the famous cup.