The Basque head coach thanked the club for their trust in him and predicted a great future for the Yellows
Unai Emery appeared before the media this Tuesday to give his last words as Villarreal CF head coach. Accompanied by the chairman and CEO of the club, the Basque manager said farewell to the Yellows family before embarking on his future career in England.
The coach from started by thanking the club for the trust placed in him: “I am very grateful to Villarreal CF, the president and Fernando. I am also grateful to José Manuel Llaneza, who will always be in my memory. I am also grateful to all the people who are part of the club, the people and the fans. For all those moments we have shared, which have been precious.”
After two and a half years in the Yellows’ dugout, Emery has decided to take on a new project. “I’ve had two and a half very nice years here. I’ve felt at home at heart, but I carry the profession inside me. Now I have a new opportunity, just like when I came here. I thought I should take it as a different sporting challenge,” Emery acknowledged.
Despite his departure, the Basque manager stressed that it is time to say goodbye to a united dressing room, with whom he has experienced great moments: “It’s a difficult context for the players. Now I will say goodbye to them. It’s a professional, mature dressing room and they will adapt to whatever comes. It’s a united group. Another coach will come in with his message. They are professionals and they understand that.”
Finally, Emery predicted a bright future for Villarreal: “It’s a great project and they have a great fan base behind them. They are going to enjoy a beautiful pitch and will continue to do great things in football. I’m leaving an exciting project, with options in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Europa Conference League. Here I have been able to be me. They have given me great conditions to bring out my best version. I have felt at home, but now it is time to continue to have challenges outside.”
Roig: “We appreciate his great work”
Villarreal president Fernando Roig thanked Unai Emery for his work and professionalism during his time at the helm of the Yellows: “We thank him for everything he has done with us. He has done a great job. With him, we have been champions of the Europa League and we have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.”
Fernando: “We will find a good solution”
Villarreal CEO Fernando Roig Negueroles acknowledged that Emery’s departure is a setback, but stressed that the club is already working on a replacement: “It’s caught us off guard, but it’s something that football clubs live with. Emery is a great coach, but we are already working on finding the best solution.”
