Pablo Mari blames "luck" for Arsenal exit and gives honest opinion on Arteta

Pablo Mari has pinned his miserable time at Arsenal down to not having "any luck" at the Emirates Stadium.

Spanish defender Mari was sent out on loan in the January transfer window to Serie A side Udinese after failing to make a single Premier League appearance since August.

The 28-year-old was one of Mikel Arteta's first signings back in January 2020, initially joining on loan before making the move permanent that summer.

But Mari has failed to nail down a starting place during his season and a half in north London, ultimately leading to his decision to go out on loan.

And the former Manchester City man has reflected on how things have unfortunately played out with Arsenal.

He told Spanish radio station Radio MARCA : "I haven't had any luck at Arsenal, but when I've been on the pitch, I think I've given a very good level.

"In the end, there comes a point where you have to make decisions."

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That's certainly not to say he has had any kind of falling out with Arteta though, who he insists is one of the best coaches he's worked with.

Mari added: "Arteta is one of the best managers I've come across.

"He helped me a lot to understand football better. It's an idea very similar to Guardiola's, but with its nuances."

Going into his relationship with City boss Guardiola, Mari added: "Guardiola is one of the great coaches in history.

"Soccer players always want to be close to people like that because they grow tremendously as soccer players and as people."

Mari made his debut for Udinese over the weekend, and looks set to be given a chance to revive his career in Italy.

And he insists he is looking forward to having an important role to play for the club for the rest of the season.

"For me these are three very important months in my career," he continued. "I have already told the coach that I am indifferent to playing in one profile or another in defence.

"I really like having a leading role in defense. I like helping my teammates because if they are in a better position, they will also help me later."