Arsenal manager Mike Arteta ‘happy’ to interact with fans but felt ‘exposed’

Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta says he is “happy” to interact with fans but there were times when he felt “exposed” and “very uncomfortable”.

A video recorded after Arsenal’s FA Cup win over Wigan on Sunday showed a man repeatedly asking for Arteta’s autograph as he and his wife waited in traffic outside the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta refused to open his window and a larger number of people gathered around the car. They then backed away as the man followed the car as it crawled forward, saying he wanted Arteta to sign an Arsenal shirt for his son.

“I always try to be very respectful,” Arteta said. “I like to sign and shoot as much as we can. I think that’s part of our role.

“But there are certain things in terms of security that we have to respect. Especially when some people do it, they’re not doing it for the right reasons.”

Arteta and his wife were also filmed on video sitting in traffic after a Champions League match in October., external With his wife described as “frustrated” and “upset” when someone took a selfie next to the car.

Arteta added: “The last time my wife was there, what was in the media was completely wrong and unfair.”

“I’d rather talk about the other great people who are genuinely there for me, because they want to have that interaction, and I think everyone who knows me, [knows] How happy I am to do this.

“But there are moments and contexts when that’s not the case. And then we need someone to protect us as well, because if that’s not the case, we’ll be exposed, you can’t move from your car and you won’t feel very comfortable out there.”

It is understood that as part of Arsenal’s security guidelines, the manager, players and coaches are advised not to open their car windows while driving.