Manchester City's David Silva encouraged Unai Emery to take a job in the Premier League according to a report on Spanish radio.
Silva played for two seasons at Sevilla under Emery and the two had a conversation about the Arsenal vacancy before he accepted the offer to replace Arsene Wenger at the Emirates.
"At the end of last season, I met David Silva in an elevator in Valencia and he said: 'Coach if you can, you should go to England,'" Emery told Cadena Cope radio on Wednesday night.
The pair worked together at Valencia and Emery explained: "I remember when (Spanish goalkeeper) Cesar arrived at Valencia after a season at Tottenham. He told me that if one day I could, I should go to the Premier League
"I can only say very positive things of my stay here from the first day up to now. I have found a lot of support when it comes to the day-to-day."
Arsenal have enjoyed a good start to the season and in the last few days enjoyed a derby win over Spurs as well as an eventful 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
Emery added: "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."
When asked about the challenge of overhauling Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, Emery conceded: "It's very difficult. He (Pep Guardiola) has created an incredible team. They play marvellous football. They are proving in England that they are very difficult to beat."