Mikel Arteta: I sacrificed myself a lot for Arsenal this season

Mikel Arteta claims that he has “sacrificed” himself a lot for Arsenal this season by playing in a deeper role for the Gunners.

The 31-year-old Spaniard was dropped into a more defensive role by Arsene Wenger following Alex Song’s departure to Barcelona last summer and played league 34 league games for the north Londoners.

And the former Everton midfielder feels he has adapted well to his new position as he tried to make life “more comfortable” for Arsenal’s other midfielder during games.

“I feel very happy because I think I have found a level of consistency throughout the whole year,” Arteta told Arsenal Player.

“I missed two-and-a-half weeks with a little calf problem, after that I think I have played every game.

“I was the man to play in a different role, I had to adapt and I did the best that I could. I have sacrificed myself a lot for the team and worked as hard as I could and tried to help my team-mates.

“In my mind, I think ‘How can I make the players around me better? How can I make them feel more comfortable?’ I am talking about Santi [Cazorla], Aaron [Ramsey], Jack [Wilshere], Tomas Rosicky – players like that.

“That was the hardest part probably, but I knew I could succeed in doing it. I watched a lot of players in my position and I am happy with the way I have done it.”