Arsenal football chief Edu says the club must be grateful to Freddie Ljungberg and Per Mertesacker for holding the reigns as they sought out a new manager.

Mikel Arteta's appointment was confirmed on Friday.

Edu said of the club's caretakers: "I really like the way Freddie got that responsibility because he straightaway changed and said 'I want to be there to help the club'. That is beautiful, that came from someone who loves the club and we have to respect that a lot because we know Fred and even more we have respect for him.

"Of course Per too, because he is our academy manager, and when Fred came to talk to us about someone to help him, he asked for Per because he knows he dressing room, he knows the club, he has a big knowledge of football as well.

"And Per said 'Yes, of course I am going to be there to help the club, I want to help Freddie through that period.' That means we have very nice people around, professional people, people who love the club and that is very important."