Unai Emery has spoken of his delight at becoming Aston Villa head coach and admitted he made the move to the midlands as it is “the right club and the right project”.
The Spaniard has enjoyed his first week at Bodymoor Heath as he settles into his new surroundings with the Villans.
Emery was previously at Villarreal, whom he led to Europa League glory in 2021 as well as the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.
Previously, he won three successive Europa League titles with Sevilla between 2013 and 2016, before a trophy-laden spell with Paris Saint-Germain and a stint in the Premier League with Arsenal in which he lead the Gunners to a European final.
And the 51-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on Thursday, could not hide his joy as he sat down with VillaTV for his first interview since becoming Villa’s new head coach.
“I am so happy to be here and to share with you this new project,” he said.
“I’m very happy because the Premier League is a top league in Europe and a big challenge for me.
“And to be here at Aston Villa because of its great history, the greatness of the club, the solid project and to achieve with new objectives our future together.”
Emery added: “I have not returned (to England) because it is the Premier League, it is because it’s the right club and the right project.”
Emery has managed over 900 matches at the highest level of the game, including over 150 in European football.
He is the most successful manager in the history of the Europa League, collecting 11 trophies to date during his career.
And he revealed it did not take him long having sat down with Villa’s hierarchy to take up the next challenge in his illustrious career.
“In all my life, football is my first objective after my life with my family and friends,” he said.
“I’m a professional man and I love football, I want to achieve new challenges every time and, for me, Aston Villa, when they were calling me, it was amazing.
“The facilities for my new challenge here in the Premier League at this club – the history, the supporters, the wishes (ambition) to do something important again.
“They convinced me quickly and, above all, because professionally for me it is one step ahead, a strong step ahead.”
You can watch our first interview with Unai in full below…
