Monday 16 May 2016 12:44, UK
Mikel Arteta is looking forward to the next chapter in his career after calling it a day as a player following Arsenal's 4-0 victory over Aston Villa.
The 34-year-old Spanish midfielder came off the bench as a late substitute for the Gunners against Villa on Sunday and afterwards revealed he is now "99 per cent" retired as a player.
Arteta burst into tears when the full-time whistle was blown before explaining why.
"It was unbelievable because the last few months have been really difficult and I have been through a difficult position as well with my role in the team," he said.
"To have the opportunity to say goodbye and 99 per cent to say goodbye to the sport that I love is very hard, but my taste of it can't get better than today. A big thank you to everybody."
Arteta, who joined Arsenal following a successful spell with Everton, won two FA Cups and two Community Shields with Arsene Wenger's side but knew it was time to hang up his boots.
"It is very hard to stop but I wanted to leave it... I wanted to decide and I thought for the last few months I wasn't good enough to represent this club on the pitch," he said.
"You have to accept it. It's been a long time to be playing football and I didn't want to cheat them or anyone. It is time.
"You have to be honest with yourself. That's why I haven't been upset with the manager, I have been upset with myself.
"When you can't get it right and you have been through injuries and difficult moments at this level... for me to play at this club you have to be the best in your position.
"When you lose that, I think you should be away from this place. I have probably been here too long. In the last few months, I probably didn't deserve to be here but at least I got the chance today to stay in touch with them and it has been amazing.
"For me, the standards you need to play for this club, it cannot be eight out of 10, it has to be 10 out of 10. When you cannot deliver that, it is not good enough."
Arteta confirmed he has three "very different" options on the table but refused to be drawn on links to coaching roles at Manchester City or Tottenham - although he did say there was a chance he could stay at Arsenal in a backroom capacity.
He said: "It is very unusual to have opportunities at this level. As well, that made me think it was probably time [to retire] and the way I have been watching football in the last few months - or probably over a year - it was not as a player, it was more as a coach. Then you have to think about it.
"I have been left the door very open [at Arsenal] and I may have to make a decision. I don't want to say clubs but I have three very different options and I am very proud because it is not common."
