Official: Arsenal confirm Edu exit
Yesterday at 12:54 PM
Arsenal have confirmed that sporting director Edu will leave the club after five years in north London.
The former midfielder and two-time Premier League winner returned to Arsenal in 2019 to become the first technical director in the club’s history having worked in a similar role for the Brazilian national team and sporting director for Corinthians.
Mikel Arteta was named the new Arsenal head coach just a month after Edu’s arrival and the Brazilian remained in his post as the club parted company with head of football Raul Sanllehi in the summer of 2022.
Later appointed as the club’s first ever sporting director in November 2022, a move that saw him take more responsibility with the women’s first team and the Academy, Edu has been considered a key figure in the improvement of the men’s first team over the past few seasons and is widely seen as a close ally of Arteta’s.
A report in the Athletic (£) says Edu is expected to take up a role overseeing the teams controlled by Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave owner Evangelos Marinakis, with the Independent claiming Marinakis is willing to offer Edu three times his Arsenal salary.
In a parting message, relayed via the club website, Edu said: "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."
Meanwhile, Josh Kroenke stressed that the Gunners would recruit an appointment that matches the club’s ambitions.
"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."
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