Mikel Arteta addresses viral video of him snubbing Arsenal fan begging for signature

Mikel Arteta has suggested that he felt exposed when a fan begged for his signature after an Arsenal match.

Viral footage posted on social media shows a supporter pleading to the Gunners boss after their FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic.

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A man is seen holding an Arsenal shirt and a pen up to the window of Arteta’s car outside the Emirates Stadium.

The fan claims the signature is for his son but the Spaniard, who is driving with his family, does not oblige with the request.

Arteta was asked about the incident ahead of his side’s Premier League clash against Wolves, which will be live on talkSPORT on Wednesday night.

“I always try to be very respectful,” he explained. “I love to sign and photograph as much as we can, I think it’s part of our role.

“But there are certain things in terms of security that we have to respect, and especially when certain people are doing it and they are not doing it for the right reasons.

“We have other examples. The last time my wife was there and what was in the media was totally wrong and unfair, but that’s it.

“I prefer to talk about the incredible other people that come around genuinely because they want to have that interaction.

“I think everybody knows me, how happy I am to do that, but there are moments and context that are not the case.

“Then, we need somebody there to protect us as well because if not, we will get exposed and you cannot move from your car, and you don’t feel very comfortable there.

“But, that’s it, I take it on the chin.”

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Arsenal return to Premier League title pursuit

After cruising into the fifth round of the FA Cup with the 4-0 win against Wigan, Arsenal return to the Premier League on Wednesday.

It’s the only midweek fixture in the top flight and was originally set to be played on March 21.

However, because Arsenal face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on March 22, it has been rescheduled for Wednesday evening.

Three points for the Gunners at Molineux will send them seven points clear of City at the Premier League summit ahead of this weekend.

City, who will have a game in hand, can close the gap to four points again on Saturday with a win at home to Newcastle United.

However, Arsenal can restore their seven-point lead a day later when they take on Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby.