"I gave Everton everything and I love the Club".

Mikel Arteta says he is excited by the prospect of running out at Goodison Park again.

Wednesday could see the Spaniard make his first appearance at the stadium since his August move to Arsenal.

Arteta, who racked up 209 appearances for the Blues during a six-and-a-half year spell at the Club, has been a near ever-present since switching to Emirates Stadium but says Everton will always hold a special place in his heart.

“I really can’t wait to go there,” he said. “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.

“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.”

Everton will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run of home games to nine, while thwarting a rejuvenated Arsenal side looking for a sixth successive Premier League win.

Arteta´s former midfield cohort Marouane Fellaini expects the one-time fans´ favourite to receive a warm welcome from the stands but warned him friendships will be put aside once he crosses the white line.

“It will be a great game against Arsenal,” Fellaini told evertontv. “I am always happy to see Mikky. He is playing well for Arsenal.

“Because he played for Everton for a long time, the supporters will give him a good reception. But the players want to win the game.”

Tickets are still available for tomorrow night’s game against Arsenal. To buy yours, call 0871 663 1878, drop into the Box Office at Goodison Park or visit evertonfc.com/eticketing