Edu pens heartfelt message to Arsenal fans after officially leaving sporting director role… as the Brazilian sends ‘warmest wishes’ to new Gunners chief Andrea Berta
Edu Gaspar has paid an emotional tribute to Arsenal fans following his official exit from the club.
The Brazilian left his role as sporting director in November after five-and-a-half years, having previously been part of the famous ‘Invincibles’ squad as a player
He is widely credited with doing an excellent job and playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s rebuild under manager Mikel Arteta.
Edu, who was last month replaced by Andrea Berta, was on gardening leave until this week, and he has paid farewell to the Gunners.
He posted on Instagram: ‘Thank you, Arsenal. Thank you, Gunners !
‘With a heart full of gratitude, today formally I close one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life. After five and a half years, my journey officially as Sporting Director of Arsenal FC has come to the end.
Edu Gaspar has paid an emotional tribute to Arsenal fans following his official exit
The Brazilian left his role as sporting director in November after five-and-a-half years
Edu had been on gardening leave and took to social media to pen an emotional message
‘I joined the club in July 2019 as Technical Director, with the challenge of bringing Arsenal with the mission of bringing Arsenal back where it belongs among football’s elite, driving a cultural shift, keep competing for trophies, and making Champions League qualification the minimum expectation for a club of Arsenal’s size. Later, I had the honour of becoming the first-ever Sporting Director in the club’s history, a milestone I will always carry with great pride.
‘And throughout this process of rebuilding, you the fans were an essential part of everything! To the supporters, my most sincere thank you ! The support, the energy, and the connection we felt again in every match were simply special. The Emirates became an amplified version of the old Highbury atmosphere! To have experienced this alongside you is something I will never forget.
‘To our owners, Stan and Josh Kroenke, the board, Mikel, the players, the coaching staff, Per, Clare, all executive team, the backroom staff, everyone working at the Emirates Stadium, and especially those who welcomed me so warmly in the Director’s Box, thank you for these years of collaboration and kindness!
‘It was never easy, but our intense work, united by a true team spirit, made me feel fulfilled throughout all these years!
‘(If I’m only now sharing this message, it’s because I’ve been on garden leave in recent months and, out of respect for the club and everyone involved, I preferred to wait until the final official day of my contract to publish this.)
‘I wish Arsenal FC all the best and every success, and I also send my warmest wishes to the new Sporting Director Andrea Berta, who now takes on this beautiful role.
‘I leave with a peaceful heart and immense pride in what we’ve built together!’
Edu is expected to front Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’s multi-club operation which includes the Premier League side, Olympiacos and Rio Ave.
Edu has sent the ‘warmest wishes’ to new Gunners chief Andrea Berta (centre)
He is expected to front Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’s multi-club operation
Edu won six trophies with Arsenal during his playing career, including two Premier League titles
He won six trophies with Arsenal during his playing career, including two Premier League titles – in 2002 and 2004.
As a director, he witnessed one FA Cup triumph and two Community Shield triumphs.
The Gunners have finished second in the Premier League in each of the past two seasons, having placed eighth, eighth and fifth in the three campaigns prior.
Arteta’s men look set to miss out on the title once again this term as they sit second, 11 points behind leaders Liverpool.
The north London side however have one foot into the semi-finals of the Champions League after a thumping 3-0 win over Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
