Arteta says his conscience is clear over Man City rule breaches

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, the Spanish head coach of the London club in England's Premier League, has said his conscience is clear over Manchester City's rule breaches. He spoke at his first news conference since an independent commission ruled against City, who have appealed. Arteta was Pep Guardiola's assistant at City from 2016 to 2019, a period that overlaps with the nine seasons in which the commission found the club broke rules and hid secret funding of more than £830m.

One word after half an hour of questions

During more than 30 minutes of questioning, Arteta tried to deflect queries, saying he wanted to respect the ongoing process. Near the end he was asked whether his conscience was clear given his senior position at City for three and a half years. He replied: "Yes". It was the only time he did not fall back on his line that he would not give opinions until the case is resolved.

Arteta was not combative, but he appeared to have arrived at the training ground with a response he intended to keep to. Asked whether he had spoken to Guardiola, he said he preferred not to answer.

The ruling and Arteta's position

The commission's report found City had arranged "sham contracts" with a number of commercial partners to disguise earnings. Arteta said it was important to respect the process and timelines, as the matter is unresolved because it has been appealed. He said his position, and he believed the club's, was to make no further comment until it is fully resolved.

Asked whether the appeal and any sanction needed to be settled this season to protect the Premier League's integrity, he said those responsible for the process would reach the right conclusions and that this must be trusted. He also said he believed "100%" that the Premier League remains the best in the world.

Next match

Arsenal are three points behind league leaders City. On Saturday they host fifth-placed Leeds at the Emirates Stadium in London.