Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has revealed that he is excited to be returning to Everton next week.

The Spaniard will pay his first visit to Goodison Park next Wednesday since joining the Gunners last summer.

Discussing his upcoming reunion, Arteta described the experience as "very special".

"Visiting Everton next week will be really special for me," he told Arsenal's official website. "It's going to be weird to sit in the other changing room, warming up in the opposite half of the pitch and having the crowd against us. I just want to enjoy it.

"I really can't wait to go there, and I hope I'll get a good reception because I gave Everton everything I had in my time there and I love the club.

"Everyone there was great to me and, even though I left, hopefully people understood. There's no reason for any of us to be unhappy with each other."

Arteta has scored four goals for Arsenal.