Unai Emery has official been appointed as the successor of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal Football Club. The 46-year-old, who spent his playing career in Spain most notably at Real Sociedad, begun his managerial career in 2004 and will join Arsenal from Paris Saint-Germain where he has spent his last two years.
Before his time in France, Emery spent time at Sevilla, where he led them to an unprecedented three consecutive Europa League titles, as well as Valencia and Spartak Moscow. His recent successes include the domestic treble in France of Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue. The Spaniard, born in Hondarribia, has struggled with PSG in Europe and decided to leave the French giants with a year left on his contract.
His task at Arsenal will undeniably be a difficult one and he will be expected to see the club back into the Champions League as well as winning a domestic title or the Premier League. Yet Emery is clearly embracing his challenge having said the following: ‘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’.
After 22 years of Arsene Wenger, it will be onerous for all at the club to embrace the changes that are going to come. However, majority owner of Arsenal, Stan Kroenke stated, “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.’
The new boss does not have an easy opener to his life in England with his first test a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid. Coincidently, he will then meet his former side in PSG two days later in Singapore.
