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Ivan Gazidis has revealed that Unai Emery's "outstanding track record of success" was key in Arsenal's decision to make him their next manager.
The 46-year-old was officially appointed as Arsene Wenger's successor on Wednesday morning after leaving Paris Saint-Germain earlier this season.
A number of candidates including Manchester City assistant manager Mikel Arteta and Juventus Max Allegri were considered by the club.
Unai Emery's career in pictures
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But in the end Gazidis reveals the Gunners plumped for the three-time Europa League winning Spaniard after a "wide-ranging and rigorous search".
“Unai has an outstanding track record of success throughout his career, has developed some of the best young talent in Europe and plays an exciting, progressive style of football that fits Arsenal perfectl," he said in a short statement.
"His hard-working and passionate approach and his sense of values on and off the pitch make him the ideal person to take us forward.
“We conducted a confidential, wide-ranging and rigorous search involving extensive background references, data and video analysis, and personal meetings with all the candidates we shortlisted.
"All were interested in the position and we were unanimous in our choice of Unai to drive the next chapter of our history.”
What could Unai Emery's Arsenal look like?
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Emery, who enjoyed his best period of success in his native Spain with Valencia and Sevilla, is excited to be joining what he calls "one of the great clubs in the game".
“I am thrilled to be joining one of the great clubs in the game. Arsenal is known and loved throughout the world for its style of play, its commitment to young players, the fantastic stadium, the way the club is run. I’m very excited to be given the responsibility to start this important new chapter in Arsenal’s history.
"I have met Stan and Josh Kroenke and it’s clear they have great ambitions for the club and are committed to bringing future success. I’m excited about what we can do together and I look forward to giving everyone who loves Arsenal some special moments and memories.”
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