Mikel Arteta's name is dominating headlines as the frontrunner for the vacant Arsenal manager position. But his story goes far beyond tactics and trophies. It's a tale of overcoming a life-threatening heart condition as a child, blossoming into a Premier League star, and finding love with a glamorous actress.
A Fight for Life: A Baby's Heart Surgery Paves the Way
Arteta's passion for football almost never ignited. Born with a rare heart defect, he underwent a critical surgery at the tender age of two. Doctors warned the procedure might extinguish his dreams of playing sports competitively.
"They said there was no chance that I could do any sports activity after that," Arteta recounted. But his love for the game was unwavering. Driven defiance, his parents advocated for him, eventually convincing doctors to allow him to continue playing with proper monitoring.
From Playmaker to Pep's Right-Hand Man
Arteta defied all odds, carving a successful career as a footballer. He honed his skills at Barcelona's youth academy before flourishing in the Premier League with Everton and Arsenal.
His retirement in 2016 marked a new chapter – coaching. Joining Manchester City under the legendary Pep Guardiola, Arteta quickly impressed. His intimate knowledge of Arsenal, gleaned from his playing days, proved invaluable. When Guardiola, still new to English football, needed someone to strategize against his former club, he entrusted Arteta. The gamble paid off, with City clinching a 2-1 victory.
Behind Every Great Man... A Glamorous WAG (But More)
For over a decade, Arteta has been happily married to the stunning Lorena Bernal. Their love story has a charming twist – Bernal reportedly had no idea he was a footballer when they first met!
Bernal is a force to be reckoned with in her own right. A former Miss Spain contestant who graced the stage of Miss World, she transitioned into acting with roles in popular shows like "Chuck" and "CSI: Miami." While Arteta's coaching career has taken center stage, Bernal has taken a step back from acting to focus on their family.
A Potential Power Couple at the Emirates?
As Arteta seriously contends for the Arsenal job, speculation swirls about the potential arrival of a formidable power couple at the Emirates. His unwavering determination, honed by overcoming a health challenge, coupled with his tactical prowess, makes him a compelling candidate. And with Bernal's unwavering support by his side, they could be the duo to usher in a new era for the Gunners.
