A former Arsenal teammate has stated that Mikel Arteta possesses an « aura » similar to that of Thierry Henry, something that can’t be learned or instilled.

Mikel Arteta possesses a unique managerial trait that cannot be learned.

This is the opinion of former Arsenal player Carl Jenkinson, who appeared on talkSPORT Drive this past Wednesday.

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Now 32 and currently a free agent after his last stint with Newcastle Jets in the Australian A-League, Jenkinson played alongside Arteta during their time at Arsenal.

The two joined Arsenal in 2011, with Arteta becoming the team’s captain in 2014 until his retirement in 2016.

When asked if he could foresee Arteta’s future as a manager, Jenkinson responded, “Absolutely, Arteta has an unteachable aura, if you know what I mean.

“When he enters a room and speaks, everyone pays attention. He has the football expertise to back it up, but that’s something that can’t be taught.”

Jenkinson noted that Arteta is among a select few former teammates who possess this remarkable quality.

He elaborated, “He just exudes that aura. I haven’t encountered many like that.

“Thierry Henry might be the only other one I can think of who has a similar presence.

“When Mikel spoke, you listened.”

Arteta was part of the Arsenal squads that clinched the FA Cup in 2014 and 2015 under Arsene Wenger.

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Jenkinson was also part of the 2014 title-winning squad.

After retiring and working alongside Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Arteta took the managerial reins at Arsenal in 2019.

Since then, he has guided the Gunners through two title races, finishing as runners-up in the Premier League for the last two seasons.

Additionally, Arteta managed the team that won the FA Cup in 2020.

Jenkinson, on the other hand, departed from Arsenal in 2019, moving to Nottingham Forest after loan spells at West Ham and Birmingham, eventually heading to Australia in 2022.

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