Arsenal set to appoint fitness guru Burgess to backroom team

Arsenal are set appoint Darren Burgess to their backroom team ahead of the new season.

Australian Burgess is regarded as one of the best fitness coaches in the business and previously worked for Premier League rivals Liverpool between 2010 and 2012.

Burgess went back to Australia to work with Port Adelaide in 2012 but is believed to be keen to return to the Premier League.

Burgess is set to take charge of medical, fitness, psychology and performance analysis at the Gunners and will report to Arsene Wenger.

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Burgess, speaking in The Sun, said: “Reaching this decision has been one of the toughest decisions in my professional career.

“When the opportunity came up to return to Port Adelaide, I had no hesitation in returning.

“Port Adelaide is like family and once you’ve worked in this environment with so many outstanding people, it is very difficult to leave.

“However, the opportunity to return to the English Premier League and work at one of the world’s most successful sporting organisations in Arsenal is an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse.”

“I look forward to continue having a relationship with Port Adelaide from afar and thank the entire club for their support, and many great memories over two stints.”