“I have huge respect for every nominated coach — Luis de la Fuente, Luis Enrique, Unai Emery and Vincent Kompany. They have all done incredible work and deserve recognition.
“But we have to be honest. If I had to vote, I would vote for Mikel Arteta.
“Look at what he has done with Arsenal. He transformed them from a team fighting to compete into genuine title challengers and then led them to the Premier League title last season.
“They went unbeaten in the Champions League and only lost the final on penalties. They reached three finals last season. That tells you everything about the level they reached.
“Mikel has done incredible work. The way he has built that team, the mentality he has created and the football Arsenal are playing deserve recognition.
“If I have one vote, it goes to Mikel Arteta. For me, he deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or Men’s Coach of the Year award.”