BY COBHAM NSA, ABUJA – Following the departure of long-serving Arsene Wenger from Arsenal at season ending, the Premier League club on Wednesday appointed former Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla Coach, Unai Emery as their new manager.
Emery, a Spaniard, becomes the Gunners’ second manager since 1996 after Wenger’s 22-year reign came to an end with Arsenal’s sixth-place finish in the Premiership.
He signed a two-year deal at the Emirates Stadium having left Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the 2017-18 season after guiding them to a domestic treble.
The 46-year-old Emery, previously led Spanish side, Sevilla to three Europa League titles, before joining the French side in June 2016.
According to Arsenal Chief Executive, Ivan Gazidis, Emery “has an outstanding track record of success throughout his career”, adding that; “He has also developed some of the best young talents in Europe and plays an exciting, progressive style of football that fits Arsenal perfectly.”
Gazidis further said in a statement that Emery’s “hard work and passionate approach and his sense of value on and off the pitch make him the ideal person to take us forward.”
Wenger departed the North London club at the end of last season after nearly 22 years at the helm, helping the team capture three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups.
With Emery’s appointment finalised after fruitful talks with the Arsenal management on Monday, the north London club is confident that the Spaniard can re-enact his fine credentials in giving them the much-desired leverage in the English top flight following a series of under-performing campaigns.
Reacting to his appointment, Emery said; “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, and the way the club is run.
“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.”
Among the many names that the Gunners had attempted to attract to the Emirates were Massimiliano Allegri of Juventus; Manchester City Assistant coach and former Arsenal player, Mikel Arteta as well as former Manchester City’s Italian Manager, Manuel Pellegrini. – With agency reports
