Unai Emery is Arsenal's best signing of the summer, says former midfielder Robert Pires
Thursday 19 July 2018 17:20, UK
Arsenal's best piece of business this summer has been the appointment of head coach Unai Emery, according to former midfielder Robert Pires.
The Gunners have snapped up five new players so far in the window, including goalkeeper Bernd Leno, midfielder Lucas Torreira, 19-year-old Matteo Guendouzi, and defenders Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Stephan Lichtsteiner.
Speaking at the launch of Arsenal v Real Madrid legends at the Emirates Stadium on September 8 - an event in aid of the Arsenal Foundation - Pires told Sky Sports: "The best signing for me is Unai Emery, the manager.
"Of course I believe in the players, and especially the new players. But for Emery it's very important to start very well. He knows he's at a big club, and has a lot of pressure, but I think he has a big character and spirit.
"He won in Spain. He won in France. He has a lot of experience and I hope for him and Arsenal that he is successful with the club."
Pires spent six years under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal from 2000 to 2006, winning both the Premier League and FA Cup on two occasions.
The former France international spoke of his admiration for the former Arsenal boss, who admitted staying at the club for 22 years was "perhaps" the biggest mistake of his managerial career.
Asked if Wenger was at Arsenal too long, Pires replied: "No. I know Arsene Wenger, he's a very good guy and a great manager, and everybody knows he spent a lot of time at Arsenal because he's in love with this club.
"He had a lot of pressure on his shoulders, so sometimes you need to say thank you very much for everything, but I need a rest.
"For me, it was a big pleasure to work with him. I learned a lot and reached my best football with Wenger. We won the title which everybody knows is very tough here.
"The most important thing for Arsenal fans is to say, 'Thank you very much for everything, Arsene Wenger'."
Arsenal Legends v Real Madrid Legends, Emirates Stadium, Saturday 8th September (kick-off 2pm).
