Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer after the right-back’s contract at Juventus expired.
The Switzerland international brought a trophy laden seven-year association with the Bianconeri to a close at the end of the season, confirming in May that he would not renew a contract that expired this month.
Although Borussia Dortmund had shown an interest, Premier League club Arsenal led the chase for his signature and the Gunners took to their official website to announce Lichtsteiner’s arrival on a one-year deal.
“It’s a great moment. It’s a great feeling for me after Juventus to come to Arsenal and have this challenge of trying to make big things happen with this big club,” the 34-year-old told Arsenal Media.
“There is a project, to return to the Champions League. It is hard to see a club like Arsenal not playing in the Champions League. If you look at the players, the club, the stadium… it’s a project and an opportunity to get back to the highest level.”
Welcome to Arsenal, @LichtsteinerSte ????#WillkommenStephan https://t.co/31jZP73Jgb
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) June 5, 2018
Lichtsteiner arrives in North London after winning the Scudetto in each of his seven seasons at Juventus, and reflected on his time with the Bianconeri.
“It’s similar to the project I found at Juventus seven years ago, as they also didn’t qualify for the Champions League for two seasons. I hope I can bring a lot of experience, a lot mentality, and together with the team, come back to the highest level of the Champions League.”
Lichtsteiner becomes new Arsenal manager Unai Emery’s first signing since replacing Arsene Wenger in the dugout at the Emirates Stadium.
