Villarreal coach Unai Emery during the Champions League Group F match against Young Boys at Estadio de la Ceramica, Villarreal, Spain, November 2, 2021. — Reuters pic
LONDON, Nov 3 — Villarreal manager Unai Emery has ruled himself out of the Newcastle United job, saying he is 100 per cent committed to the La Liga side.
Former Paris St Germain and Arsenal manager Emery was the leading contender to replace Steve Bruce at Newcastle after the Englishman was sacked shortly after the club was taken over by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
In a statement today, Emery said he was flattered by Newcastle’s interest, but had decided to stay in Spain.
“Despite the noise that was coming from another country, inside Villarreal we worked with transparency and loyalty with club and players, which for me is the most important,” he said. “Villarreal is my home and my commitment with them is 100 per cent.”
Spanish media reported that Emery, who is under contract until July 2023, has a EUR6 million (RM29 million) release clause.
“I’m honestly flattered by the interest of a great club but more thankful for being here and I have communicated to (Villarreal’s) president that I want to stay with this project because of the commitment and respect from everyone inside the club,” he added.
“We have an important game on Sunday (against Getafe in LaLiga) and I hope we can win it together. I will see you in the stadium.”
The Spaniard took over at Villarreal in July 2020, eight months after being sacked by Arsenal following a poor run of results.
Emery led Villarreal to their first major trophy when they beat Manchester United in the Europa League final last season, but the team have struggled in La Liga so far this campaign, and are 13th in the standings. — Reuters