‘It leaves us a bit screwed’ – Villarreal fire savage parting shot at Emery after boss quits to take over at Aston Villa
NEW Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been accused of leaving old club Villarreal “a bit screwed” after ditching the LaLiga side.
Villa paid out the £5.3million clause to release the former Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain boss from his contract after they sacked Steven Gerrard.
But Emery‘s decision to jump ship from Villarreal has left the club “a bit screwed”, according to his former president Fernando Roig.
Speaking at a press conference, Roig said: “There has been the termination of Unai’s contract on his part.
“He has fulfilled his contract and therefore we thank him for his effort, his professionalism and his work.
“We have had a great relationship and for that we thank him for his efforts, we understand that he is a professional and therefore he has decided to accept another offer.
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“An option that comes to him because of his work, which is honours.
“We finished well, but he catches us on the wrong foot in a rare season.
“We appreciate your work, but it is true that it leaves us on the back foot.
“We wish you the best, it leaves us a bit screwed, but those of us who are here are going to move on. We thank you and we wish you the best.”
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The 50-year-old had been in charge of Villarreal for two seasons and even picked up a European trophy during his time at the club.
He won the Europa League in 2021, beating Manchester United on penalties in the final.
It was his fourth time winning the competition having won it three times previously at Sevilla.
Emery also brings a Ligue 1 title with him, having won the French top-flight with PSG in 2018.
The Spaniard is excited for his “new opportunity” in England having failed to be the perfect successor to the legendary Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.
He said: “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.
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“Now I have a new opportunity, just like when I came here. I thought I should take it as a different sporting challenge.
“It is a personal and professional decision. I left home at the age of 24 and opened myself up to the professional world of football with all the consequences.”