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Mikel Arteta has saluted Pep Guardiola as “the best coach in the history of football”, calling his former mentor’s influence on the Premier League “remarkable” and “unique”.

Guardiola stepped down from Manchester City at the end of last season after 10 years in charge, with Enzo Maresca now starting a new era at the club. Maresca will take on Arteta in his first competitive game as City manager when the two teams meet in Sunday’s Community Shield in Cardiff.

Arteta spent four years working under Guardiola on the City coaching staff before becoming Arsenal manager in 2019. Looking back on Guardiola’s exit, the Spaniard said he could hardly speak highly enough of his former colleague.

“I’m probably going to fall short in the way I can praise what he’s done,” Arteta said.

“First of all for the Premier League, for the country, the way he has opened a different way of understanding the game, and I think he has escalated the Premier League to a different level.

“He has brought standards to something that we haven’t witnessed before. I was very lucky to be part of it for four years and to understand and witness how it’s done daily. It’s remarkable, it’s unique.”

Guardiola’s achievements have stretched across multiple countries and leagues, but Arteta feels the way he has maintained that level for so long makes his record even more striking.

“He’s done it in many different countries and leagues, but in a really consistent and sustainable way, which is the hardest thing to do,” he said.

“I’ve always said before that I think he’s the best coach in the history of football for many reasons.”

Arteta also said Guardiola had lifted standards among coaches across the Premier League, though he admitted managers may not exactly miss having to come up against his sides.

“I think he’s going to be missed in the Premier League – I don’t know if as coaches we’ll miss him so much!” Arteta said.

“It’s so difficult to play against him and to compete in the manner that he does with his teams.”

The Arsenal boss also spoke of his gratitude for the period he spent working with Guardiola and the impact that experience had on his own journey in coaching.

“First of all, I have gratitude for the time I have had with him, which was incredible,” Arteta said.

“He’s elevated all the coaches and teams to work in different ways, and he’s made all of us better. He’s been a pleasure.”

With Guardiola’s departure bringing the curtain down on a defining spell at City, Arteta has backed Maresca’s appointment and believes his former colleague can offer something different to the club.

“Now it’s Enzo, who is as good as him because I know him well,” Arteta said. “He’ll provide something different to the club and I wish him the best.”

The Community Shield will therefore signal the start of a new chapter for City, while Arsenal head to Cardiff as Premier League champions after ending a 22-year wait for the title last season.