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Arsenal news: Unai Emery reveals one Premier League star who convinced him to join Gunners
DAVID SILVA encouraged Unai Emery to take a management job in the Premier League.
That is according to Emery himself, who managed Silva for a couple of seasons at Valencia years ago.
Emery left his post at Paris Saint-Germain after a new contract was not offered to him at the end of last season.
And the Spaniard finally made his move to England when Arsenal came calling in the summer.
It was compatriot Silva, however, that convinced him to take a job in the Premier League.
"At the end of last season, I met David Silva in an elevator in Valencia," Emery told Cadena Cope radio after Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
"He said 'Coach if you can, you should go to England'."
Silva made the move to England himself back in 2010 and has since gone on to win numerous accolades at Manchester City - including three Premier League titles.
Spaniard Emery went on to state that Silva wasn't the only one who tipped him for a potential job in England.
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Emery added: "I remember when [Spanish goalkeeper] Cesar arrived at Valencia after a season at Tottenham and he told me that if one day I could, I should go to the Premier League."
The 47-year-old has enjoyed his start to Premier League life - having not lost a game since their 3-2 loss away at Chelsea in August.
The Gunners are also unbeaten in all competitions since then - and have gone 20 matches with out losing.
"I can only say very positive things of my stay here from the first day up to now," Emery said.
"I have found a lot of support when it comes to the day-to-day.
"They are very respectful. The coaching staff is very happy here. It's a very competitive league. Each team has good qualities and I'm really enjoying it."
Emery, however, remained reluctant to say whether his team could currently challenge league leaders Manchester City.
"It's very difficult. He [Pep Guardiola] has created an incredible team," the Spaniard said.
"They play marvellous football. They are proving in England that they are very difficult to beat."