'Especially if Rangers win' - Mikel Arteta on the Old Firm rivalry at Arsenal

Former Rangers star Mikel Arteta is hoping to win the battle of the Old Firm bragging rights in the Arsenal dressing room this weekend.

The Gunners boss has fond memories from his time at Ibrox includng scoring in his first derby in a 3-3 draw at Celtic Park in 2002, as well as netting an injury-time penalty in a 6-1 win over Dunfermline to ensure Rangers pipped Celtic to the title on goal difference on the final day of the same season.

Arteta takes his Arsenal side to Crystal Palace on Monday but before then he will hope to get one over Kieran Tierney, his ex-Celtic full-back who moved from Parkhead to north London three years ago, with their two former clubs going head-to-head in a top of the table clash at Ibrox on Sunday.

When asked if there will be exchanges of friendly banter in the Arsenal dressing room, Arteta jokingly replied: "There will be, especially if Rangers win."

Arsenal duo Mikel Arteta with Kieran Tierney will be cheering on opposing sides during the Old Firm derby at Ibrox on Sunday. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The Spaniard counts his Old Firm appearances among the highlights of his playing career which also included spells with Everton, Arsenal and Paris St Germain.

"It's one of the best memories I have as a football player," he said. "It's unique, incredible, fascinating, electric. It's a privilege to be on that pitch feeling that atmosphere."

Current Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst also has Arsenal connections having left the Ibrox club in 2001 to sign for the Gunners.

"He knows what he's expecting," Arteta added. "Winning that derby means everything for the fans for the city. You need to embrace it again. If you win it, it's a great day."

Midfielder Mikel Arteta converts an injury time penalty to complete a 6-1 win over Dunfermline, securing the championship for Rangers in 2003.

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