A former teammate has claimed Mikel Arteta should have re-joined Barcelona or signed for Real Madrid instead of Rangers.
Jerome Alonzo, who played alongside Arteta during his loan stint at Paris Saint-Germain, was surprised by the Spaniard's move to Rangers in 2002.
Arteta, who is now the manager of Arsenal, left Barcelona to join PSG on loan as an 18-year-old.
He impressed during his time in Paris, which led to a permanent move to Rangers.
Arteta played 68 times and scored 14 goals across two seasons at Ibrox before heading to Spain to join Real Sociedad in 2004.
Alonzo, however, believes the midfielder's impact at PSG warranted a move to a bigger club.
The former goalkeeper claimed Arteta should have returned to Barcelona or signed for Real Madrid or Chelsea.
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Speaking to The Athletic, Alonzo said: "When he left the team, wow, the midfield was empty without him.
"You could feel it, and he was only 18 as he was running all game.
"When a player so young leaves a hole like that, you knew he would have a great career.
"I remember saying to myself: ‘If he goes back to Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Chelsea, OK, but Rangers?’
"I’m sure, like always, like a chess player, he knew before everyone what he wanted to do next."
Arteta went on to have a successful career, playing for Everton and Arsenal after his time at Ibrox.
He became a fans' favourite during his time at Rangers, with his technique and goal threat winning him many admirers.
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