New Arsenal boss Unai Emery has admitted he has a "big challenge" ahead as he paid tribute to predecessor Arsene Wenger.

The former Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla manager replaces the Frenchman who left the north London club at the end of the season after 22 years in charge.

In Wenger's last season the Gunners finished sixth in the Premier League - 37 points behind champions Manchester City - and failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Emery, who was unveiled at a press conference at the Emirates, said his new role as the Gunners' head coach was a "dream come true".

Image: Wenger spent 22 years in charge of Arsenal

The 46-year-old Spaniard said: "We will create a new present and a new future for Arsenal. I want to say thank you Arsene Wenger for your legacy. For all the coaches in the world, he is a reference.


"We learned, I learned from him all the things in football. It's a big challenge for me, but I have worked also in other projects, big projects. For me, I am proud to be here and to work after Arsene Wenger."

He added: "In my career every year I grow up with new challenges and for me the challenge is a dream come true."

Arsenal had already appointed Raul Sanllehi as head of football relations and Sven Mislintat as head of recruitment over the past year.

The club appear to be keen to steer away from the model established under Wenger, and Emery is expected to work closely with the pair in a bid to bring success back to Arsenal.

Emery emerged as the shock favourite to replace Wenger earlier this week after it had appeared former Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta was in line to land the top job.

Image: This image appeared on Unai Emery's website

The club's chief executive Ivan Gazidis said the board's decision to appoint Emery had been unanimous.

Gazidis said Emery was one of eight candidates who went through an extensive interview process.

"He is a very good fit," said Gazidis. "In the personal meetings Unai was incredibly impressive, he had a detailed knowledge of the club and was very well prepared."

On Tuesday, Emery's website featured a picture of him against the Arsenal crest with the slogan: "Proud to be part of the Arsenal family."

It was taken down as no official announcement of his appointment had been made by the club at that time.

Emery joins the Gunners after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, who he guided to the Ligue 1 title.

The Spaniard also won four domestic cups with the French giants, having previously guided Sevilla to three successive Europa League triumphs.