MIKEL ARTETA has told England fans they should feel “proud” that Thomas Tuchel has taken on the Three Lions hot seat.
The Arsenal boss says he can relate to German-born Tuchel for feeling an affiliation with England and living in the country – even if it may upset a few people.
On his reaction to Tuchel’s appointment, Arteta said: “I understand the opinions and the feelings.
“That’s the responsibility for the FA to say the first filter is only English managers or the filters are any manager from any country and we select the best for the moment that we’re in right now.
“I understand that it can feel sad for some people not to have an English manager.
“History tells you how important this could be as well. I think I would take a lot of pride as well in how many people would do anything to be the England manager.
“That’s related to how we’re treated in this country as foreigners, the passion, the respect, the history and the way that things are done in this country.
“I can say personally that when you are not from here. I think there are very few countries that could say that.”
Arteta also revealed that he was NOT one of the 10 candidates the FA spoke to about the job.
Asked whether he would be open to managing England one day, he added: “At the moment I’m not thinking about it.
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“I’ll tell you right now, the feeling I have being here for 22 years.
“I have that feeling towards it because I always feel respected, welcomed and inspired by this country and the history of football and how you get treated daily.
“I think that’s something you should be really proud of.”
Gunners stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice will work under Tuchel, with Raheem Sterling and Ben White also in with a chance of winning back a place in the squad.
Arteta added: “They’re gonna learn a lot. He’s one of the best coaches in the world in my opinion, the way his teams are set up. It’s very exciting times.
“I spoke to a few of the players and they had a smile on their faces straight away. That’s a good sign.”
Inside FA’s thrilling chase for Tuchel
THE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.
They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.
They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.
The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.
But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.
Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.
Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.
The Spanish-born coach had the chance to play for England back in 2010 but was denied by Fifa due to representing the La Roja youth teams.
Ex-England boss Fabio Capello spoke to then-Everton manager David Moyes about potentially converting Toffees midfielder Arteta into a Three Lions star ahead of the 2010 World Cup.
Arteta explained: “I would have done it. I feel very proud about it. I was very realistic, looking at the players Spain had at the time, and how big a challenge I had.
“You need to know your level, that is very important. Look in the mirror. At the end it didn’t happen. But it was good, at least to think about it.
“It was OK. If you cannot do it, you cannot do it. I wasn’t prepared to fight against the world.”
