Arsenal have confirmed the appointment of Unai Emery as their new head coach.
The 46-year-old Spaniard, who formerly managed Valencia, Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain, succeeds Arsene Wenger in the Emirates Stadium hotseat.
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has praised Arsenal’s appointment of Unai Emery as the club’s new manager.
‘His career speaks for itself, did it perfect in Spain with many teams – Valencia, Sevilla – and did it really well in France,’ Guardiola told Sky Sports.
‘Welcome to England, another good manager is coming here.’
Here’s what Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said about the appointment.
‘Unai has an outstanding track record of success throughout his career, has developed some of the best young talent in Europe and plays an exciting, progressive style of football that fits Arsenal perfectly.
‘His hard-working and passionate approach and his sense of values on and off the pitch make him the ideal person to take us forward.
‘We conducted a confidential, wide-ranging and rigorous search involving extensive background references, data and video analysis, and personal meetings with all the candidates we shortlisted.
‘All were interested in the position and we were unanimous in our choice of Unai to drive the next chapter of our history.’
Arsenal’s majority owner Stan Kroenke explained why Emery got the job.
He said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Unai to Arsenal. He’s a proven winner. We’re confident that he is the right person for the job and that he will work to deliver the triumphs our fans, staff and everyone who cares about Arsenal want.
‘Several things stood out during his interview and the entire process; his football knowledge, energy, determination and love of the game.
‘His familiarity with our club and our players, the Premier League and the game in Europe were all very impressive. He shares our vision to move forward, to build on the platform created by Arsene Wenger and help this club enjoy greater success.’
Naturally, Emery wanted to send out a message to the Arsenal fans as he was confirmed.
‘I am thrilled to be joining one of the great clubs in the game. Arsenal is known and loved throughout the world for its style of play, its commitment to young players, the fantastic stadium, the way the club is run,’ Emery said.
‘I’m very excited to be given the responsibility to start this important new chapter in Arsenal’s history. I have met Stan and Josh Kroenke and it’s clear they have great ambitions for the club and are committed to bringing future success.
‘I’m excited about what we can do together and I look forward to giving everyone who loves Arsenal some special moments and memories.’
2005-06: Lorca Deportiva
Promotion to second division for first time in club’s history
2006-08: Almeria
Promotion to top flight for first time in club’s history
2008-12: Valencia
Achieved three successive third-place La Liga finishes
2012: Spartak Moscow
Lost 11 games in a disappointing six months. Sacked after 5-1 home defeat to Dynamo Moscow.
2013-16: Sevilla
Won three successive Europa League trophies
2016-18: Paris Saint-Germain
Won the domestic treble
Managerial career
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Win record: 53.5 per cent
(Daily Mail)