Arteta defends Manchester City’s legacy: “Their Premier League titles are absolutely not tainted”

Mikel Arteta has said the success of Manchester City is 'absolutely not tainted' despite the club being found guilty of financial breaches.

An independent commission has deemed Manchester City guilty of 114 historical breaches of the Premier League's financial rules.

A Premier League statement confirmed the verdict during the international break after a long investigation and process, citing 'sham' contracts and sponsorships that artificially inflated revenue figures by around £830m over a nine-year period.

City have appealed the decision, but are facing huge punishment should the verdict be upheld. The Cityzens won three Premier League titles during the period in question, in 2012, 2014 and 2018.

Arteta was on the coaching staff at the Etihad during the latter of those wins and insists the achievements on the pitch are not tainted. He said he has complete trust in his former club, who have stressed no breaches were made.

"Titles absolutely not tainted," the Arsenal manager said at a press conference ahead of facing Leeds United this weekend.

"I trust the club now, in the future, always. I completely trust the club.

"Fully understand the question, but I will respect the process, I think the timelines, it is still an ongoing process that is not resolved because it has been appealed.

"My position and the club’s position is not to comment until it is resolved."