By Victor Kanayo
Former Arsenal Coach, Unai Emery has been named new Aston Villa Manager.
A statement by the club on Monday night confirmed he would officially take on the position on November 1, once his work permit formalities have been completed.
Part of the statement reads, “Aston Villa is delighted to announce the appointment of Unai Emery as the club’s new Head Coach.
“Unai joins from Villarreal, whom he led to Europa League success by beating Manchester United in the final in 2021 as well as the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.
“A highly experienced top level coach who has managed over 900 games, Unai has also previously managed in the Premier League during a spell with Arsenal, leading the Gunners to a Europa League final.
“He has also enjoyed notable success at Sevilla and at Paris Saint Germain. In Seville, he won three successive Europa League titles between 2013 and 2016 before going on to lift a Ligue 1 championship in France as well as two French Cups, two French League Cups and two Trophée des Champions.”
The Spaniard had been in charge of Villarreal in his homeland, and led them to Europa League glory in 2021, and the Champions League semi-finals last season.
Villa sacked Steven Gerrard last Thursday and targeted Emery after intermediaries had also made contact with Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank and Ruben Amorim.
Emery was sacked by Arsenal in 2019 after a little more than a season in charge.
One year ago, Emery appeared set to join Newcastle, only to have a change of heart and stay in La Liga.
He also won the Europa League three times with Sevilla and had a spell at Paris St Germain.
