Mikel Arteta was just a fresh-faced 18-year-old when his world was turned upside down by a single phonecall instructing him to pack his bags and head to Paris.
It was back in January 2001, and four years in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy had left the young midfielder’s career at a crossroads. His pathway into Barca’s side had become incredibly congested after Emmanuel Petit had arrived from north London to join established internationals Pep Guardiola, current PSG boss Luis Enrique, Phillip Cocu, Ivan De la Pena and Jari Litmanen at the Nou Camp.
Meanwhile bright prospects Xavi, Andreas Iniesta, Simao Sabrosa, Gerard Lopez, Gabri and Bolo Zenden were waiting in the wings alongside Mikel.