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'There was never a rocky relationship between us': Ainsley Maitland-Niles credits Mikel Arteta for his decision to stay at Arsenal this summer and his rise into the England team

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has credited Mikel Arteta for his rise from Arsenal squad option to England international - admitting he was not demanding enough from himself.

The 23-year-old made his Three Lions debut last month after starring for his club in their FA Cup final win over Chelsea and the Community Shield success against Liverpool.

Things could have gone a very different way for the Arsenal academy graduate, who was linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium in the summer.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (above) has no regrets over the decision to stay at Arsenal

That followed a difficult initial period working under Arteta, who said back in March that Maitland-Niles needed to 'put his head down and work hard' after he was asked about his constant omissions.