Emery named PSG coach

French football champions Paris Saint-Germain have named Sevilla's Europa League-winning chief coach Unai Emery as their new coach for two years, replacing Laurent Blanc.

"Paris Saint-Germain is happy to announce the arrival of Unai Emery as the new coach of the club' s first team," read a press release by the capital club on Tuesday.

The Spanish tactician has signed a two-year contract with PSG with an option for an additional season, according to the announcement, reports Xinhua.

Emery, 44, led La Liga side Sevilla to a third consecutive Europa League triumph in 2015-2016 before opening the new chapter of his career in the French capital.

The former Real Sociedad midfielder, who became a coach in 2004, was in charge of Valencia from 2008 to 2012 before taking over at Sevilla in 2013. He coached Valencia for 220 competitive matches and Sevilla for 205.

Emery will begin his duties immediately and will also play an active role in the club's player recruitment that will launch a new ambitious cycle for PSG, five years after the arrival of Qatar Sports Investments, said the club.

"It is with great pride that I agreed to become the Paris-Saint Germain coach," said the Spaniard. "The club has become one of the biggest in Europe over the past few seasons and I am both happy and honored to be able to help realise its great ambitions.

"I am eager to meet up with my new players as well as the people who work tirelessly every day to help the club grow. I know that an immense fervour exists around the PSG and I will be giving my best to ensure its millions of fans have a great deal to cheer about," he added.

PSG chairman and CEO Nasser al-Khelaifi told the club's website: "I am very happy to welcome Unai Emery as the new coach of Paris Saint-Germain. Unai will bring to PSG all his experience, his passion and his strong management skills and human qualities.

"He has a proven talent to get the most out of a team. I am convinced that our fans will love the spectacular style of football our team will play with Unai," added the Qatari.

--IANS

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