Unai Emery has said goodbye to Arsenal fans in a long letter, after he was sacked by the club just 18 months after taking over.
The Gunners lost to Eintracht Frankfurt at home on Thursday night in the Europa League and the former Sevilla boss was sacked on Friday morning, having failed to win in seven games in a row in all competitions.
Despite growing dissatisfaction from the Gunners' faithful before his sacking, the former manager still sent thanks to the fans in a letter on the club's website, saying, "It has been an honour to be the Arsenal head coach.
Advert
To all the fans, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping me to understand and feel the greatness of Arsenal. To all of you who have supported us from every corner of the globe, all of you who have come to the Emirates, all of you who have waited in the rain and cold just to greet me after a game. I want to tell all of you that I have worked with passion, with commitment and with effort.
I would have liked nothing more than to have achieved better results for you.
I also want to send a message of gratitude to all Arsenal employees for the way they have treated me. The greatness of Arsenal is in every director, executive, employee, assistant and volunteer.
In particular, I want to highlight Ivan Gazidis, who welcomed me to the club, and Raul Sanllehi, Edu and Vinai Venkatesham for their respect, companionship and help. Until the very last minute I have been treated with honour and honesty. And of course, I send my sincere gratitude to the Kroenke family, for their trust.
Advert
It has been a year and a half full of emotions, of great moments and some other more bitter ones, but not a single day has gone by without me stopping to think about how lucky I have been to work for this club with these players and their professional and personal qualities.
They have always honoured the shirt they wear. They deserve your support.
I had already experienced a lot in football, but I have enjoyed and learned a lot in England, in the Premier League, about respect for professionals and about the purity of football.
My best wishes always.
Advert
COYG"
Emery had taken over from Arsene Wenger in May 2018, after the Frenchman finally left following 22 years in charge of the north London club, and took them to the Europa League final in his first season.
They lost 4-1 to Chelsea in that final, in Azerbaijan, and having lost out on the top four in the league, also to the Blues, they missed out on Champions League football this season.
Advert
A 2-2 draw to Southampton last week, thanks to a very late equaliser from Alexandre Lacazette, left the club in eighth in the league, eight points off the top four and only gave Emery a short stay of execution.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Unai Emery, Premier League, Arsenal