Edu breaks silence on shock Arsenal exit as club release official statement
Arsenal have officially announced Edu's exit, with the former Arsenal midfielder now set for a new opportunity after helping to rebuild the Gunners during the tenure of Mikel Arteta
by John Cross · The MirrorEdu has explained the need for 'a new challenge' as Arsenal officially confirm the sporting director has resigned from his role at the club.
Former Gunners midfielder Edu handed in his resignation on Monday and will take up a new role in Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’s stable of clubs.
Even though Edu only officially quit on Monday, Arsenal have been aware of Marinakis’s pursuit for several weeks and fears have grown internally he was going to leave to pursue a different role with the promise of a huge contract.
Edu insisted it was an “incredibly hard decision” to leave and his departure will sting Arsenal as he was involved in bringing Mikel Arteta to the club as manager in 2019 and overseeing big-money deals like record £105m signing Declan Rice last year.
Arteta called his working relationship with Edu a “beautiful journey” and club insiders insist there has been no far-out or power struggle.
A statement from the Gunners reads: "Edu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.
"Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.
"We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart."
Edu told the club's official website: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.
"Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.
“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.
“Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”
Arsenal Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.
“Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.
“Change and evolution is a part of our club. We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”
Arsenal are expecting to appoint a replacement with Arteta due to face the media to talk about Edu’s departure on Tuesday ahead of their Champions League trip to Inter Milan.
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