Arsenal's Arteta Eyes 'Important' Champions League Return Despite Man City Test

Gunners boss relishing return to Europe's top club competition

Arteta: 'We have to deserve to be there'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is relishing the club's return to the UEFA Champions League, despite acknowledging the tough test they face in their opening match against Manchester City.

The Gunners secured their place in Europe's elite club competition by finishing fifth in the Premier League last season, and Arteta is excited about the challenge of competing against the continent's best.

"It's a huge moment for the club," Arteta said. "We've worked really hard to get back into the Champions League, and we're all really excited about it. It's a competition that we all want to be involved in, and we're looking forward to testing ourselves against the best teams in Europe."

Arsenal's first match in the Champions League group stage is against Manchester City, the Premier League champions, on September 15. Arteta knows it will be a tough match, but he is confident his team can compete.

"Manchester City are one of the best teams in the world, so it's going to be a very difficult game," Arteta said. "But we're going into the game with a lot of confidence and we believe we can get a result.

"We have to deserve to be there," Arteta added. "We have to be at our best, and we have to show that we can compete at this level.

Arsenal have been drawn in Group A alongside Manchester City, Atalanta BC, and Shakhtar Donetsk. It is a tough group, but Arteta is confident his team can qualify for the knockout stages.

"We know it's going to be a difficult group, but we're confident that we can qualify for the knockout stages," Arteta said. "We have a good squad, and we're ready for the challenge.

Arsenal's return to the Champions League is a major moment for the club. It is a competition that they have a rich history in, and they will be looking to make a statement this season.

Conclusion

Arsenal's return to the Champions League is a major moment for the club. It is a competition that they have a rich history in, and they will be looking to make a statement this season. Mikel Arteta is relishing the challenge of competing against the continent's best, and he is confident that his team can qualify for the knockout stages.