Mikel Arteta had a tearful farewell at the Emirates Stadium yesterday as his Arsenal playing career came to an end.

The midfielder came off the bench for his 150th and final Arsenal appearance before moving on in the summer.

An incredibly intelligent footballer, Arteta’s next step will be into coaching. He has already made some progress on that front over the last year or so and will now consider his options.

Reports have suggested he is set to join Pep Guardiola’s staff at Manchester City, but it seems like there is an offer on the table from Arsenal.

“I have been left the door very open (at Arsenal) and I may have to make a decision,” the club captain said after saying goodbye as a player.

“I don’t want to say clubs but I have three very different options and I am very proud because it is not common.”

Those offers are thought to be from Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur. Though a move across north London would be a surprise, Arteta played with Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain.

It appears his time at Arsenal is at an end, at least for now, as the allure of working with and learning from Pep Guardiola could be too much to turn down.

“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.