Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gives blunt answer as he’s asked about Man City rule breaking for first time

MIKEL ARTETA’S conscience is clear despite Manchester City’s guilty verdict. Arteta spent three-and-a-half years as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad — and during two of those seasons City were found to have breached Premier League financial rules. The Arsenal boss, 44, joined in 2016 and helped City go on to win the domestic treble. When asked if he has a clear conscience, he replied: “Yes.” City have been found guilty of more than 100 breaches of the Prem’s financial rules over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018 and are awaiting their punishment pending an appeal. Arteta won two Prem titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup during his time at the Etihad but refused to divulge whether those trophies have now been tainted. Read More on Arsenal He said: “I understand the questions and where they are coming from. There is a lot of noise around it, it is an ongoing process that is not resolved yet and we need to respect it.” The Gunners return to action at home to Leeds on Saturday — the first match since losing their perfect start to the season at Brighton last month. City’s ongoing verdict means the champions are heavy favourites to defend their title. Arteta said: “The only thing we can do is focus on everything that we can do, to be as good as we possibly can, and be better than every other opponent. That’s where we put the energy.” Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS City could face a host of punishments, including expulsion from the Premier League. Arteta said: “There are people to manage this process and come to the right conclusions. And I am sure it will be resolved in the right way. We have to trust that.” There has been widespread concern around the damage this scandal could do to the Premier League’s reputation. However, Arteta added: “It is the best league in the world. I’ve been here for over 20 years and it will continue to be the best league in the world.”