Arsenal manager Unai Emery has revealed why he made the defender Stephan Lichtsteiner his first signing at the Emirates.
Lichtsteiner arrives from Juventus where his contract had expired having won seven Scuddetti and seven cups in a hugely successful spell with the Turin club.
The 34-year-old will wear the No 12 shirt and is expected to provide competition for Hector Bellerin on the right side of defence, while he can also play in midfield.
Emery has made clear that he values the “experience and leadership” which the Swiss international captain, who is preparing to head to the World Cup in Russia, will add to Arsenal’s dressing room.
Emery also singled out Lichtsteiner’s mentality and attitude on the pitch – an area that was often criticised in the latter years of Arsene Wenger’s reign.
“Stephan brings huge experience and leadership to our squad,” Emery said. ”He’s a player with great quality with a very positive and determined attitude. Stephan will improve us on and off the pitch.”
