FRANCE, JUNE 28: Unai Emery has been named coach of Paris Saint-Germain, replacing Laurent Blanc who left the club this week.
Emery had cut his ties with Sevilla two weeks ago, having led them to three straight Europa League titles, after being heavily linked with the PSG job. He was under contract with the Spaniards until June 2017 but negotiated an early release from his contract.
He was succeeded on Tuesday by Jorge Sampaoli, the former Chile coach agreeing a two-year deal with Sevilla.
PSG parted company with Blanc this week after Frenchman paid the price for failing to get past the quarter-finals of the Champions League last season. The former national coach won three league titles, and domestic trebles after being appointed three years ago.
“It is with great pride that I agreed to become the Paris-Saint Germain coach,” Emery, 44, told the club website. “The club has become one of the biggest in Europe over the past few seasons and I am both happy and honoured to be able to help realise its great ambitions. I am eager to meet up with my new players as well as the people who work tirelessly every day to help the club grow.
“I know that an immense fervour exists around the Paris Saint-Germain and I will be giving my best to ensure its millions of fans have a great deal to cheer about.”
The former Real Sociedad midfielder, who became a coach in 2004, was in charge of Valencia from 2008 to 2012 before taking over at Sevilla in 2013, transforming them into one of the most competitive sides on the continent.
“With 106 victories, he is the coach with the most wins at Sevilla in domestic and international competition and the second coach behind Joaquín Caparrós with the most games managed, 205,” Sevilla had said. “We wish Emery the best of luck in his next adventure.”
Emery, who has signed a two-year contract with an option for an additional season, will begin his duties immediately. “I am very happy to welcome Unai Emery as the new coach of Paris Saint-Germain, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, the chairman and CEO, said.
“Unai will bring to the club all his experience, his passion and his strong management skills and human qualities. He has a proven talent to get the most out of a team. I am convinced that our fans will love the spectacular style of football our team will play with Unai.”
