It is easy to forget that Mikel Arteta used to play for the Rangers once upon a time, even for long-time Celtic fans. Perhaps it is because that was very early in his career and he was not a household name. Or maybe it is because it has been more than two decades since then. He would go on to find his greatest success while playing for Arsenal, and is currently their manager.
Arteta has done a great job as Arsenal manager although he has failed to deliver silverware. In many ways, this feels like a make-or-break season for him at the London club. They are currently top of the Premier League but we have seen them in similar positions before and then let it slip through their fingers.
One Celtic player Arteta will know very well is Kieran Tierney. The Scotsman left Arsenal this summer, with his contract running out, to make a return to his boyhood club.
Tierney has faced some criticism since his return but put his name down in the national team's history books in midweek by scoring the goal against Denmark that virtually won them the game and the spot in next summer's World Cup. And in the aftermath, Arteta has sent him a classy message, and also to the people of Scotland.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta makes classy claim about Celtic player
As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Arteta said when asked about Tierney and the moment he had with Scotland:
"Well, very happy for him, and very happy for all the Scottish people as well. I lived there for two years. I had an amazing experience, and I fell in love with their passion and how they treat people.
“So, I am very happy for the country."
Celtic fans will be hoping that this is the beginning of Tierney turning things around for himself at Parkhead. It is only natural that his game has slipped a bit over the years, considering the number of injuries that he has had to deal with.
Perhaps he needs a bit of confidence as well to bring back the Tierney of old. Hopefully, that goal against Denmark will help.