Mikel Arteta has received a prestigious Spanish honour from his homeland; he was bestowed with The Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic.
The award is a Spanish civil order of chivalry and is granted by the King of Spain alongside the Superior Chancellor, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
It has been a very selective and rare honor since its genesis in 1815, and it is only awarded to people and institutions for their extraordinary contributions to Spain or the promotion of international relations and cooperation with other nations.
Where Did Arteta Receive The Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic?
Arteta was given the honour at the Spanish Embassy in London, on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. His family, friends and key individuals from Arsenal were in attendance to share the heartwarming moment with him.
Speaking after being handed the prestigious award, Mikel Arteta expressed how humbled and honoured he felt to be receiving the award, while also appreciating the King of Spain and foremost Chancellor, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The 42-year-old said: “I am both humbled and honored to receive The Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic.
“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of myself and my family to send my sincere gratitude and thanks to the King of Spain and the Grand Chancellor, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
The former Paris Saint Germain man also dedicated the award to “all the special” people in his life that have been helpful in his life journey thus far.
Arteta added: “It is a truly wonderful moment to accept this award today at the Embassy of Spain in London, together with so many people who have been inspirational to me during my life.
“This prestigious award bestowed on me is dedicated to all the special people in my life who have shaped my journey so far, helping me through challenges and celebrating the successes together.”
Mikel Arteta Appreciates Family After Receiving Major Spanish Honor
The Arsenal boss definitely didn’t forget to send his appreciation to his family, alongside reaffirming his love for them.
Mikel Arteta said: “Finally, none of this would have been possible without my beautiful family. I thank you. I love you.”
The Spanish ambassador to the UK, Jose Pascual Marco, also shared his thoughts on granting the award to Arteta, tagging it a “pleasure”, whilst indicating the stellar attributes of the Spaniard.
Jose said: “It is a pleasure to bestow the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Isabel la Catolica to Mikel Arteta.
“Throughout his successful career as a Spanish, British and international football player, and now as Arsenal manager, he has shown outstanding leadership and impeccable sportsmanship.”
Mikel Arteta Has Made The Friendship Between England And Spain Stronger – Spanish Ambassador To The UK, Jose Pascual Marco
Jose Pascual Marco also said that Arteta “has succeeded in making the friendship between” England and Spain stronger.
He said: “Mikel is a respected and loved figure in the Spanish and British football community.
“Through the universal language of football, he has succeeded in making the friendship between the two countries stronger.”
Mikel Arteta will be navigating the final game of the 2023/24 Premier League season with Arsenal on Sunday, May 19, 2024, with the Gunners having faint hopes of winning the title.
The North London side welcome Everton to the Emirates on matchday 38, with the team sitting second on the log with 86 points from 37 matches, 2 adrift league leaders Manchester City.
Anyway, Arsenal will be aiming to do their job against Sean Dyche’s side, whilst hoping that Manchester City falter, in what will be their final chance at a silverware this campaign.
The Gunners have been a boisterous force this season, but they are competing with an immovable dynamite, Manchester City, who are gunning for their 4th unprecedented Premier League title in a row.
Definitely, it will be fascinating to see if there will be any final day drama in the Premier League for the 2023/24 campaign.
