Mikel Arteta has left Rangers and returned to Spain with Primera Liga side Real Sociedad in a £2.6million deal. The 22-year-old will sign a four-year contract on Saturday with the Basque club, who endured a difficult campaign last season after finishing runners-up in 2002-03.
After the protracted negotiations reached a successful conclusion, Arteta told the Spanish club's website, www.real-sociedad-sad.es:: "At last it is a reality. Months ago I knew that this was a possibility, and I've done everything possible to make it become a reality. I have family here and this is the club I supported from childhood. When this chance came up, I didn't think twice.
A statement from the Spanish club said: The signing of Mikel Arteta for Real Sociedad represents the arrival of one of the most promising players in Europe. This is a signing from one of the major European clubs which would have been unthinkable some years ago and which shows that Real Sociedad is able to compete in the soccer transfer market. His arrival delights everyone in the Real family.
Arteta began his career at Barcelona but joined Paris St Germain on loan in 2000 when first-team opportunities proved hard to come by at the Nou Camp. Born in San Sebastian, where Real are based, Arteta dazzled in the French capital and was bought by Rangers in 2002. He shone at Ibrox and helped the Glasgow giants win the treble of Scottish Premier League, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup in 2003.
Last season was less productive, however, as Alex McLeish's team finished empty-handed, and Rangers admitted Arteta was available for sale at the right price. They lose out financially, however, having paid Barcelona £5.8million for his services two years ago.
He added: "As this has taken shape, they have helped to smooth my path. They have understood that this is my homecoming. In a competitive respect, this is the best league in the world."
