Stephan Lichtsteiner will always have a place in the history books at Arsenal as he is the first signing to be made in the Unai Emery era.
The full-back was the first player to arrive in this transfer window when he came from Juventus after a very successful seven-year stint in Italy.
The right-back officially signs for the Gunners today, as his contract with Juve expired yesterday and will join the North London club on a free transfer.
The bond between him and the Juventus fans was clear to see when he played there and he also shared a message for them.
This is what he had to say:
“Today is my last official day as Juventino. It was an incredible honour for me to wear this jersey day in and day out for the past 7 years. I hope you will continue your huge success story in the next years. Thank you dear juventini, you‘ll be always in my heart.”
Today is my last official day as Juventino. It was an incredible honour for me to wear this jersey day in and day out for the past 7 years. I hope you will continue your huge success story in the next years. Thank you dear juventini, you‘ll be always in my heart. #FinoAllaFine pic.twitter.com/ufhgbIPswL
— Stephan Lichtsteiner (@LichtsteinerSte) June 30, 2018
A touch of class from the incoming Swiss player.
Lichtsteiner has been playing for Switzerland in the World Cup where he was hugely impressive in the group stages. This was evident in their first game against Brazil as he managed to keep both Neymar and Marcelo at bay. It certainly left Arsenal fans feeling very excited as he had dealt with such a big threat.
The full-back has been brought in to provide cover for Hector Bellerin as well as being a guiding force for the Spaniard. With the departures of Per Mertesacker and Santi Cazorla, the team is a little short on experience.
Getting a player like Lichtsteiner goes some way in solving that problem. Another aspect of his playing style is his never say die attitude and that will surely be welcome in a squad such as the one that Arsenal have.
It is interesting to see Arsenal move for player who is over the age of 30 such as Lichtsteiner and perhaps that will become a feature of the Unai Emery era. With further signings expected to arrive, the future does sound promising and it will be nice to see players like him make Arsenal winners again.
