So we have our very first signing at last as it has been confirmed on the official Arsenal site that Stephan Lichtsteiner has arrived on a free transfer after becoming a free-agent after winning 7 Serie A titles in a row.
This is how the Gunners announced it….
Swiss international defender Stephan Lichtsteiner is joining us from Juventus.
He signs as a free agent from the Serie A club, where he won the title in each of his seven seasons.
A hugely-experienced right-sided defender, Stephan made over 250 appearances for Juventus and is the fourth-most capped player in Switzerland history with 99 appearances for his country. He has also been the Swiss captain since 2016.
It is also heartening to know that his English is also very good and he is very keen to start gaining more glory with the Gunners in the EPL. “It’s a great moment.” he said. “It’s a great for me after Juventus to come to Arsenal and have this big challenge to make big things [happen] with this big club.
“There is a project. There is a project to come back into the Champions League. I think it’s hard to see a club like Arsenal not playing in the Champions League. If you see the players, if you see the club, the stadium… it’s the project, the big opportunity to get back to the highest level.”
He is also impressed with our new coach. He said: “He’s a very good coach who’s won a lot of titles, especially the Europa League that we play in this year. He’s a coach who knows what he wants and a coach who also progresses the players, and also old players like me. You never stop learning and this is very important. I’m really positive that we will do great things.”
And Emery returned the love and said about Lichtsteiner: “Stephan brings huge experience and leadership to our squad. He’s a player with great quality with a very positive and determined attitude. Stephan will improve us on and off the pitch.”
So one down at last. Perhaps with Lichtsteiner’s age and experience, perhaps he could be our new captain? But he has got the Number 12 shirt. I hope that doesn’t mean he will be a reserve!
Welcome to Arsenal Stephan!
Admin