Mikel Arteta was just an 18-year-old newcomer when a pivotal phone call upended his life, urging him to pack his bags and move to Paris.

It was January 2001, and after four years at Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, the young midfielder faced a career dilemma. The arrival of Emmanuel Petit from north London had intensified competition in Barcelona’s squad, alongside established stars like Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, Phillip Cocu, Ivan De la Pena, and Jari Litmanen.

Emerging talents such as Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Simao Sabrosa, Gerard Lopez, Gabri, and Bolo Zenden were also vying for spots, creating a surplus of ability that Paris Saint-Germain’s new manager, Luis Fernandez, sought to leverage.

Under Fernandez’s earlier leadership in the 1990s, PSG had enjoyed a successful era, securing a league title, three French Cups, two League Cups, and reaching five consecutive European semi-finals, including winning the 1996 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup—their only major European trophy. However, his exit in 1996 led to a downturn, and upon his return in December 2000, the team was struggling in the lower half of the table.

Fernandez had players like Nicolas Anelka, who had recently left Real Madrid, along with creative forces Jay-Jay Okocha and Ali Benarbia. Laurent Robert, who later shone at Newcastle United, was a key figure, while young Sylvain Distin was breaking into the first team. To revitalize the squad, Fernandez identified Mikel as a crucial addition.

Leaving his homeland was challenging for the teenager, but Mikel recognized it as a vital opportunity that would launch his promising career.

Recalling the phone call, he said: “It was terrifying for me and my family. We were in Barcelona when we received the call: ‘Pack your bags and fly to Paris immediately.’ I was 18, with no professional experience, and seeing those big names, I wondered, ‘Are they sure?’

“Luis Fernandez believed in me. That’s what you need—someone to give you a chance and surround you with the right people. They treated me like a son. It was the ideal setting to discover my potential.”

Mikel arrived in Paris alongside Mauricio Pochettino, who had joined from Espanyol, and they formed a strong bond. Reflecting on Pochettino’s influence, Mikel noted: “He’s one of the most important figures in my career.

“At 17 or 18 in Paris, with no professional background, he was like a father to me. He guided me, offered invaluable advice, protected me, and inspired me. I learned so much during our two years together.”

As the youngest player in the PSG squad, Mikel faced challenges like a language barrier, but Fernandez was confident: “Mikel was an intelligent young man,” he told The Athletic. “He adapted smartly on and off the field. He had excellent manners, behavior, and was always respectful.”

The learning process was intense. Mikel’s professional debut came in a French Cup match against Auxerre, resulting in a 4-0 home loss, followed by a league debut in a defeat to rivals Marseille.

PSG was still in the Champions League, where Mikel made his second career appearance, starting at the San Siro. “I was in the tunnel, looking at Maldini, Pirlo, Shevchenko,” he recalled with a smile. “They seemed giants. I felt like I was being thrown to the lions, but it turned into a great match that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was an unforgettable night.”

After a 1-1 draw, the team started to coalesce, and Mikel lost only two of his next nine games that season. He scored his first professional goal in a 2-2 draw against Lille, quickly becoming essential to Fernandez’s lineup.

“We asked him to receive the ball, turn, and play,” Fernandez added. “With his skills and comfort on the ball, he simplified things. He had the intelligence to pass effectively and assert himself as a midfielder.”

The 2001/02 season marked a turnaround, with signings like the tough Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze from Real Valladolid and the young Brazilian star Ronaldinho from Gremio for £5 million, after a potential Arsenal move failed due to work permit issues.

“We were roommates for a year and a half,” Mikel remembered. “He was an immense talent with an infectious energy and smile. It was impossible to be around him and feel down. I’d never seen such ability. In training, he did things that seemed physically impossible. It was incredible to play with him.”

PSG transitioned from the Champions League to the Intertoto Cup, which they won, with Mikel featuring in four matches and scoring in a 7-1 victory over Gent.

In the league, Mikel developed a solid midfield partnership with Edouard Cisse, who handled defense while Mikel orchestrated play. “I had to defend because I had Ronaldinho and Okocha ahead—it was amazing!” he laughed. “It felt like a dream. I was truly fortunate.”

Progress was gradual but steady. After 10 draws in their first 18 games, they won nine of the last 16 as Ronaldinho found his form, Anelka left on loan to Liverpool after a dispute, and Mikel gained more experience.

Qualifying for the UEFA Cup via the Intertoto Cup, they defeated Rapid Bucharest and Rapid Vienna, leading to a third-round tie against Rangers. Scouts noted Mikel as PSG’s most influential player.

He played every minute of the two goalless legs, but PSG was eliminated on penalties, despite Mikel taking one as the third shooter behind Okocha and Ronaldinho.

Despite the cup exit and early inconsistencies, PSG finished fourth, reestablishing their status among France’s top teams.

After a fulfilling 18 months, Mikel’s future seemed set in Paris, but he attracted interest from clubs worldwide. “Barcelona owned my rights, but they couldn’t agree on terms,” he explained. “I was happy there and wanted to stay, but I had to move on.”

As negotiations stalled, Rangers signed him for £6 million in March 2002. Despite the transition, Mikel remained a key player, featuring in five of the last six games to help push for a top-three finish and Champions League qualification, though they fell short by one point.

The season ended positively for Mikel, who was named in the Division One Team of the Year alongside Ronaldinho and Heinze, underscoring his rising profile. He left Paris with 53 appearances, five goals, a growing reputation, and lasting memories.

His departure impacted PSG, who finished in the bottom half for the first time since 1988 in 2002/03, while Mikel became a cult hero at Rangers, contributing to a domestic treble in his debut season.

Yet, he always cherishes those 18 months in Paris, which laid the foundation for his success, including his role as Arsenal’s manager.

“It provided a platform to experience a major club in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities,” he reflected. “It was an enduring experience with teammates who shaped my aspirations as a player and sparked my path to management.”