Mikel Arteta admits he still gets goosebumps when he thinks about one moment he experienced at Everton

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Mikel Arteta enjoyed six and half successful years at Everton.

Mikel Arteta initially joined on a loan deal from Real Sociedad in January 2005 but then completed a permanent £2m transfer that summer.

The Spaniard went on to make over 200 appearances at Everton, netting 35 goals whilst laying on as many assists.

Arteta established himself as one of the best goalscoring midfielders in the Premier League and became a real fan favourite among the Goodison Park faithful.

In an old interview in 2018, he reflected on his Everton career and revealed that he still gets goosebumps when he thinks about one moment that happened in 2008.

• READ MORE: Ballon d’Or winner once almost signed for Everton after playing golf with David Moyes but Man United hijacked deal

Mikel Arteta still gets goosebumps when he thinks about Everton vs Fiorentina

Speaking to Everton’s YouTube channel in 2018, Arteta revealed that he still gets goosebumps when he thinks about the Europa League clash against Fiorentina in 2008.

The Toffees came back from a two-goal deficit in the first leg to take the tie into extra time and penalties, which they ultimately lost.

“Incredible. You’re talking about it and my skin goes like this (goosebumps),” Arteta said.

“I remember that night. Honestly, the atmosphere we created at Goodison on those nights… that stadium is so particular and is different, you know.

“It’s very English. And when you are a player and you step on that pitch, you have that sense around the crowd and the fans. The energy they create is incredible.”

Mikel Arteta could manage Everton one day

Evidently, Arteta still has strong connections to Everton and remains a fan favourite despite cutting an often controversial figure on the sidelines with Arsenal.

In fact, according to Football London, Arteta was on the verge of becoming Everton’s manager in December 2019 before he took the job at the Emirates.

So, perhaps one day in the future, the 42-year-old may manage the Toffees in their state-of-the-art Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.

For now, though, Moyes is contracted to be the main man for the first two years at the new arena.