Emery talks Europa League ambition, Gazidis departure

Unai Emery says he wants to play to win “every title” at Arsenal ahead of their Europa League clash with Vorskla Poltava on Thursday night.

The Gunners face the Ukrainian outfit at the Emirates Stadium after making a mixed start to the new Premier League season with their new head coach.

This is the second successive year that Arsenal have spent in Europe’s second-tier club competition, reaching the semi-final stage under Arsene Wenger last season.

“Every title for us is very important,” Emery told reporters. “In 2000, Arsenal played the final against Galatasaray but didn’t win. And also, Arsenal played the final in 2006 in the Champions League and also didn’t win.

“In my career, the ambition is very important for continuing to improve and continuing to achieve the objectives in my career personally and with the team.

“I want to play for every title going forward.”

The Gunners confirmed on Tuesday that chief executive Ivan Gazidis had decided to leave the club to join AC Milan and it’s a decision Emery respects.

“The first three months with Ivan were very important for me because he’s a big person, and a professional person too,” Emery added.

“The relationship between us was very close for three months. We spoke a lot about football, about management, about how big Arsenal is and our responsibility.

“His decision is a private one which I respect.

“I know Ivan is giving us the best next people [successors] to take the responsibility to continue to do good work.”