Arsenal: Arsenal Wenger sends message to Mikel Arteta ahead of Champions League final | OneFootball

Former Gunners manager has advice for current boss ahead of European showpiece

The former Arsenal manager will watch on this weekend as the Gunners take on Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest.

It is only the second time Arsenal have reached the European showpiece, with the first coming 20 years ago during Wenger's reign as Barcelona triumphed in Paris.

Wenger has predicted Arsenal to win the Champions League, tipped Arteta to do what he could not in 2006, but has sent a message to the Gunners manager ahead of the game.

Asked what he would say to Arteta, Wenger told the Mirror: "Do what you usually do and try to be relaxed, even though I know that’s impossible.

Keep the togetherness the team has shown all season and that will be enough

Arsene Wenger to Mikel Arteta

"Instil strong belief in your team.

"He knows how to do that. He knows the players better than I do. Keep the togetherness the team has shown all season and that will be enough."

He added: "I feel the club deserves [to win the final], this season deserves it and the consistency of the team deserves it.

"When I arrived at Arsenal, the club had very little Champions League history. Then we had 20 consecutive years of qualification, and now the crown of that history would be to become champions.

"I think Arsenal have slowly built a history that now allows them to win it. I also feel the time has come for Arsenal to dominate the Premier League consistently."

Wenger signed Arteta has a player in 2011, and the midfielder went on to make 150 appearances for the club.

Discussing their time together as player and manager, Wenger said: "Arteta had total commitment in him. I named him captain because he was always very serious. He had injury problems, especially with his calves, and sometimes when players are away from the game they realise how much they love it and want to stay in it.

"He had personality, strong beliefs and authority, and that certainly helps him a lot now ... I give credit to Arteta for keeping everybody focused and motivated [as a manager]. That’s not easy with such a big squad."