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New Arsenal manager Unai Emery says he learned all he has in football from predecessor Arsene Wenger

The Spaniard was confirmed as new Gunners boss on Wednesday morning

Jack Austin
Wednesday 23 May 2018 14:03 BST
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Unai Emery arrives at the Emirates

New Arsenal manager Unai Emery thanked Arsene Wenger for his legacy during his first press conference as his replacement, admitting that everything he learned in football came from the Frenchman.

Emery was confirmed as the club’s new head coach on Wednesday morning, beating Mikel Arteta to the job after impressing the board with his vast experience and trophy record, having won three consecutive Europa Leagues with Sevilla and a domestic treble with PSG.

When addressing the assembled media, the 46-year-old spoke in English despite not being fluent and thanked the man who had sat in that very seat for the last 22 years.

“Thank you Arsene Wenger for your legacy,” he said. “For all coach in the world is a reference and learn with him.

“I learn with him all the things in football. My English is not very best now. I want make an effort for speak with you to the supporters for explain my idea, explain my ambition, explain know I am very excited by this opportunity, a big club, a great city, a grand stadium and also a great player for this world.”

Emery also revealed he had a three-hour meeting with chief executive Ivan Gazidis, who was sitting beside him, recruitment head Sven Mislintat and head of football operations Raul Sanllehi before being offered the job.

“We had meeting Monday morning and also I feel they feel with the heart Arsenal and the conversation with the chairman, the board is very important for me,” he added.

“For no better Arsenal club. Thank you Ivan, thank you Raul and thank you Sven. The first meeting with Arsenal persons are with the three persons who, after three hours, I think very good feeling for will work together for will grow up, create new present and future Arsenal.”

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