Mikel Arteta left ‘uncomfortable’ in awkward interaction with obsessive fan | Football | Sport

Mikel Arteta has admitted to feeling ‘exposed’ and ‘not very comfortable’ after a persistent Arsenal fan repeatedly asked him for an autograph whilst he was with his wife. Arteta was leaving the Emirates Stadium on Sunday following Arsenal’s victory over Wigan Athletic, driving home with his family in an area where fans often spot notable figures from the club.

The manager adhered to the club security’s protocol, which advises players and coaches not to lower their car windows when approached by supporters, a policy that was reassessed at Arsenal as recently as three years ago. The club stated: “Our security guidance and protocol remains that manager, players and coaches are advised not to roll their vehicle windows down when driving.”

However, Arteta, despite expressing a wish to be respectful, voiced concerns about the incident when questioned further.

“I always try to be very respectful,” he said. “I love to sign and photograph as much as I can. I think it’s part of our role.

“But there are certain things in terms of security that we have to respect. And especially when certain people are doing it, they are not doing it for the right reasons.

“We have other examples. The last time my wife was there, and what was in the media, was totally wrong and unfair. But that’s it.

“I prefer to talk about incredible other people that come around genuinely because they want to have that interaction.

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“And I think everybody knows me, how happy I am to do that.”

Arteta made time after the match against Brentford before boarding the team coach following the 1-1 stalemate at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Though in this instance, Arteta outlined how the situation was exacerbated by the circumstances of being trapped in his vehicle, unable to leave.

“There are moments and context that is not the case and then we need somebody there to protect us as well, because if not, we will get exposed,” he added.

“And you cannot move from your car, and you don’t feel very comfortable there. But that’s it. I take it in the chin.”