Mikel Arteta is still in close contact with Pep Guardiola despite walking out on Manchester City to take over as Arsenal manager last year.
Arteta was Guardiola's right-hand man at Manchester City, working as his assistant coach from July 2016 until December 2019 when he left the Etihad to replace Unai Emery at Arsenal.
Arteta, who was beaten 3-0 by City during their most recent clash, insists his relationship with Guardiola remains as strong as ever despite their new managerial rivalry.
Arteta even admitted to asking the 49-year-old for his advice as he reflected on the influence Guardiola has had on his career.
'He's a person that I have huge respect and admiration [for], and we talk about a lot of things,' Arteta told Goal.
'When I need advice or I want him to support me he's always there and willing to help me. For me it's great to have someone like him around.'
Arteta recently lost 3-0 with Arsenal on his return to the Etihad Stadium for the first time since being prised away from Guardiola's side.
Arsenal will, however, have the chance to go head-to-head with City once again as the pair are set to face each other in the in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Arteta recognises the importance of the game and insists his side must beat the best to become to best.
He said: 'Facing them again in the semi-final is a tricky one but look at the level of the teams who are involved in the competition.
'If you want to win the title, you have to beat the best teams and if we want to do that we have to beat City.'