Arteta wants to make 'beautiful memories' on Champions League return

Mikel Arteta has told his Arsenal players to make "beautiful memories" on their return to the Champions League after a six-year absence.

Arteta's side face PSV Eindhoven in their opening Group B match at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

It will be the Gunners' first game in Europe's elite club competition since they were thrashed by Bayern Munich in the last 16 in 2017.

The long-awaited return has stirred Arteta's soul as the Arsenal manager recalls his own playing days with the north London club in the Champions League.

On the eve of his first match as a boss in the Champions League, the Spaniard issued a passionate rallying cry to his team.

"Proud and excited. We've been fighting for it and now we've got it," Arteta told reporters on Tuesday.

"I've played in a few for the club and I have beautiful memories about them. We have to make the most out of it."

Arsenal have made an unbeaten start to the Premier League season as they bid to make amends for the late collapse that gifted Manchester City the title last term.

But the chance to advance to the latter stages of the Champions League -- a competition they have never won -- is a major incentive for Arsenal this season.

"It's been a long time for the club since we have been in the competition and obviously it's the first time for me as a manager, so I'm really looking forward to it," Arteta said.

"Every time I watched it and we weren't there, I felt it. I think you put pressure on yourself. This club has to be in the Champions League.

"When I have the job that I have, I have the responsibility to try to bring the club to the biggest stages, to the biggest tournament and then be fighting for them."