Mikel Arteta ponders over coaching offers from Arsenal and Manchester City

Mikel Arteta has confirmed he is set to retire from professional football after making his final appearance for Arsenal on Sunday. 

The Spaniard was in tears after the final whistle of his side's 4-0 win over Aston Villa after coming on as a late substitute. 

And speaking after the clash, the Spaniard admitted he is almost certain to hang up his boots ahead of next season to take up a coaching role. 

Arteta said: 

"I am going to leave (it open) by one per cent because in football one per cent is a lot and things can twist very quickly. 

"But I have different options now to be related to football which I am very grateful for. It is very unusual to have opportunities at this level. 

"As well, that made me think it was probably time (to retire) and the way I have been watching football in the last few months - or probably over a year - it was not as a player, it was more as a coach. Then you have to think about it. 

"You have to be honest with yourself. That's why I haven't been upset with the manager (by not playing), I have been upset with myself. 

"When you can't get it right and you have been through injuries and difficult moments at this level… for me to play at this club you have to be the best in your position. 

"When you lose that, I think you should be away from this place. 

"I have probably been here too long. In the last few months, I probably didn't deserve to be here but at least I got the chance against Aston Villa to stay in touch with them and it has been amazing. 

"For me, the standards you need to play for this club, it cannot be eight out of 10, it has to be 10 out of 10. When you cannot deliver that, it is not good enough. 

"Sometimes people get away with it. Inside myself, my gut wasn't clean and when you are like this, I prefer to make the decision myself."