Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has threatened to 'war' with FIFA repeatedly during his international career.
Spanish midfielder Arteta has spent 11 years playing in England, first joining Everton from Scottish side Rangers in 2005.
Arteta spent six years at Goodison Park, scoring 35 goals in 209 appearances for the Toffees, before joining Arsenal in 2011.
He played 150 games for the Gunners, scoring 16 goals before retiring in 2016.
After becoming manager of Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, Arteta stepped out of his compatriot's shadow to lead Arsenal in 2019. After a rough start to management, things have come up for the Spaniard this season - with Arsenal paying a surprise title fee.
It is worth noting that Arteta spent so many years in the Premier League as a player, but never made an international appearance for Spain.
He was repeatedly overlooked for his national team, with the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Busquets also playing at the same time.
Arteta wants to 'make war' with FIFA
Speaking in 2016, Arteta revealed he was almost ready to go to war with FIFA to try to play for England.
The midfielder was approached by Fabio Capello to represent the Three Lions in 2010 after completing a five-year residency in England. Former Spain Under-21 international Arteta was keen to change his international allegiance but his hopes were dashed by a confusing FIFA rule.
"They called me. Fabio Capello approached David Moyes while I was at Everton and I spoke to them and I was really thinking about it but there was a law at the time and UEFA, or FIFA, I think it was. So, don't allow that and we have to take it to court and that's a big deal," Arteta told talkSPORT.
“I was almost ready to go, but in the end we decided challenging FIFA would be a big story and my goal is still to play for the Spanish national team.
"At that time, I was still hoping to receive the call."
Arteta never got the call he was hoping for and ended his career as one of the best players ever to feature in a senior national team. “There were three times when I thought I was very close [to being called up to Spain] and twice I got injured, and there were comments from the national team wishing me the best and telling me that I'm very close to joining them," he added.
"But, again, I'm sorry but I totally understand why I wasn't [called up] because they had a great time and were probably the best midfielder of all generation. I accept it. that they can be better than me, that's very simple."
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