Mikel Arteta faced the media for the first time on Friday afternoon after being unveiled as Arsenal’s new head coach earlier in the day.The 37-year-old, who leaves his role as assistant head coach at Manchester City in order to become Unai Emery’s permanent successor at the Emirates Stadium, impressed during a press conference which lasted around half-hour.Arteta gave answers to a variety of questions and Arsenal fans, judging by the response on social media, are now feeling very optimistic.We’ve rounded up the highlights from Arteta’s first press conference.Let’s begin…

Arteta reveals that he’s been preparing for a job like this for several years now…

“I’m extremely happy and proud to have been to been given the opportunity to be manager of this football club. I’ve been preparing for a few years now. I know the expectations. I’ve sensed good energy since I walked in at London Colney.

"[When leaving as a player], I said to the people [at Arsenal] ‘I’m going outside [the club] I’m going to get prepared and then hopefully I’m going to come back one day when I feel prepared and ready.'”

He’s positive about what he can achieve at Arsenal and insists he will ‘give every drop of blood’ in order to be a success at the Emirates…

“I will give every drop of blood for this football club to make it better. I know the expectations and the stature of this club and what it deserves. I’ve got a good vibe. I’m sensing a good energy. I feel so happy!”

Arteta is acutely aware that things need to change at Arsenal and knows the importance of being ruthless…

“What I have learned mostly is you have to be ruthless. I have so much respect for this football club that if I did not feel ready I would not be sitting in this chair. The first thing I have to do is change the energy. The players have to accept a different process, a different way f thinking. If we don’t have the right culture the tree is going to shake.”

He says the club’s supporters have a big role to play…

“We need the fans. We need to give them [something]. Give them a little bit and they will maybe respond. When you look at this football club you think ‘Wow!’ this club is massive. I have a good feeling.”

Any Arsenal player who hides on the pitch will soon find themselves at a different club, which will be music to the ears of the club’s long-suffering fans…

“I don’t want people hiding. I want people taking responsibility for the job. Anybody that doesn’t buy into this is not good enough for this environment or culture.”

On Arsene Wenger's influence...

"I wouldn’t be sitting here if he didn’t have the vision to give me this opportunity to enjoy this incredible football club."

And he will do his utmost to ensure Arsenal are challenging for silverware again…

“The ambition of this football club is very clear. You have to fight for trophies and be in Europe. The rest is not good enough.”

He can certainly talk the talk - but, more importantly, can he walk the walk?

Only time will tell…