Arsenal’s new era: Unai Emery ‘thrilled’ to be named head coach

New Arsenal head coach Unai Emery wants to create “special moments and memories” at the club after it was confirmed today that he will replace Arsene Wenger.

The Spaniard, who recently finished a two-year spell with Paris Saint-Germain, was appointed Arsenal manager after impressing chief executive Ivan Gazidis and majority owner Stan Kroenke.

At PSG Emery won a Ligue 1, Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue treble and as manager of Sevilla he led the Spanish club to three consecutive Europa League titles.

Speaking to the Arsenal website, the 46-year-old 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, 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.”

The Gunners announced Emery’s appointment via social media and called it “a new dawn, a new era, a new chapter” in the club’s history. 

Chief executive Gazidis said: “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.”

Majority owner Kroenke added: “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.”