Mikel Arteta singled out a PSG star, praising their unique “aura and energy” unlike anything he’d witnessed before.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta once hailed Ronaldinho’s time at Paris Saint-Germain, describing the Brazilian icon as possessing a rare “aura and energy” that set him apart. Reflecting on their time together at PSG between 2001 and 2002, Arteta—who came through Barcelona’s youth academy before joining the French side—expressed deep admiration for Ronaldinho’s influence and brilliance.

Speaking of his former teammate, Arteta recalled: “I had to do all the defending because Ronaldinho and [Jay-Jay] Okocha were in front of me. It felt almost surreal—a dream. I was so full of energy back then and knew I couldn’t let that opportunity slip.” He went on to say that Ronaldinho was the only player he’d ever seen capable of singlehandedly transforming two clubs, praising his charisma and unmatchable skill: “He always had a smile, an energy that lifted everyone around him. It was impossible to be unhappy next to him. And on the pitch, he did things that defied belief.”

Although their time together was brief—capped by winning the 2001 UEFA Intertoto Cup—their careers took different paths. Arteta played for clubs like Rangers, Real Sociedad, Everton, and Arsenal, eventually becoming a manager. Ronaldinho, meanwhile, enjoyed a glittering career with teams including Barcelona, AC Milan, and Flamengo before retiring in 2018.

Now preparing to face PSG in the Champions League semi-finals, Arteta—who has revitalized Arsenal since taking over in 2019—will be drawing on all his experience. Arsenal, in fine form in Europe, have already beaten PSG 2-0 earlier this season and will be looking to replicate that success in the upcoming clashes at the Emirates and Parc des Princes.