Emery: Lichtsteiner brings leadership and great quality to Arsenal

Swiss defender moves to the Emirates after
seven years at Juventus

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The 34-year-old will captain Switzerland at this month’s World
Cup and evidently it is his leadership skills and solidity that led
to his joining the Gunners on a free transfer.

“Stephan will improve us on and off the pitch,” said Emery in
conversation with the official Arsenal website. “Stephan brings huge
experience and leadership to our squad. He’s a player with great
quality with a very positive and determined attitude.”

Lichtsteiner left Juventus last month after making more
than 250 appearances for the Italian champions during a seven-year
spell that saw him win seven Serie A titles, four Coppa Italias and
three Italian Super Cups.

He will also collect his 100th international cap in Russia
during the World Cup and Arsenal fans will hope he manages to shore
up their notoriously shaky defence.

“I’m a right back who likes to attack but I also know when
it’s time to attack and when you need to stay behind,” he said. “I
have to put a balance between defence and attack.”

As for what attracted him to north London, Lichtsteiner
said: “There is a project. There is a project to come back into the
Champions League. If you see the players, if you see the club, the
stadium, it’s the big opportunity to get back to the highest
level.”