Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has praised Mauricio Pochettino, his Chelsea rival, for his effect on him in the beginning of his playing career.

In 2001–2002, Arteta signed a loan deal with Paris St. Germain, where Pochettino was a center-back for the French powerhouse.

On Saturday at 17:30 BST, when Arsenal takes on Chelsea in the Premier League, the two will square off.

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“He has been one of the most influential people in my career as a player,” Arteta said.

“He took me under his wing and he looked after me like a little child. A little brother. He was a big part of the success I had in Paris.

“He has been a role model for me since that day, not only as a player but as a manager as well.

“He had a big say on that and I will always be grateful for what he has done for me.”

Ten years Pochettino’s junior, Arteta, 41, takes over as manager of Arsenal in 2019. He had previously served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.

Pochettino, on the other hand, managed Southampton, Tottenham, and Paris St. Germain before accepting his first managerial position in 2009 with Espanyol.

As they get ready for the visit of Chelsea, who have won just three of their first eight games and are currently in 11th place, Arsenal remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season and are second only to their rivals from North London, Tottenham, in terms of goals scored.

Bukayo Saka, a forward who has four league goals this season but missed Arsenal’s most recent 1-0 victory over Manchester City and then withdrew from England duty due to a hamstring injury, is still available, according to Arteta.

“I’m sure he wants to play, yes. I don’t see any player who doesn’t want to be in the starting 11,” Arteta said.