Unai Emery has finally responded to his sacking by English Premier League club, Arsenal, after he was sacked as the head coach of the London club on Friday.
The Spaniard and ex-manager of PSG and Sevilla who is speaking for the first time since his sacking on Friday, released a message to the entire team and fans, saying it was an honour to have head the team. He managed the London team for just 18-months, with his highest achievement being that of a Europa Cup final which they lost to Chelsea.
Speaking on his sacking, he said:
‘It has been an honour to be the Arsenal head coach. ‘To all the fans, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping me to understand and feel the greatness of Arsenal. ‘To all of you who have supported us from every corner of the globe, all of you who have come to the Emirates, all of you who have waited in the rain and cold just to greet me after a game.
‘I want to tell all of you that I have worked with passion, with commitment and with effort. I would have liked nothing more than to have achieved better results for you.’
Emery took charge of his last Arsenal match on Thursday evening, with the north Londoners suffering a disappointing defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League. Following the loss, Arsenal had not won in seven matches in all competitions.
Emery added: ‘I also want to send a message of gratitude to all Arsenal employees for the way they have treated me. ‘The greatness of Arsenal is in every director, executive, employee, assistant and volunteer. ‘In particular, I want to highlight Ivan Gazidis, who welcomed me to the club, and Raul Sanllehi, Edu and Vinai Venkatesham for their respect, companionship and help.
‘Until the very last minute I have been treated with honour and honesty. And of course, I send my sincere gratitude to the Kroenke family, for their trust.’ The 48-year-old manager continued: ‘It has been a year and a half full of emotions, of great moments and some other more bitter ones, but not a single day has gone by without me stopping to think about how lucky I have been to work for this club with these players and their professional and personal qualities. ‘They have always honoured the shirt they wear. They deserve your support.
‘I had already experienced a lot in football, but I have enjoyed and learned a lot in England, in the Premier League, about respect for professionals and about the purity of football. ‘My best wishes always. COYG,’ he said.
Emery has been replaced temporarily by his assistant and former Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg. The Gunners face Norwich City on Sunday.