Sporting director Edu Gaspar has finally broken his silence on an exit from Arsenal as his time at the club officially comes to an end.
The former midfielder-turned-director spent over five years with the Gunners as he looked to get the team back to the very top.
The Brazilian was in charge of transfer strategy and squad management, something that Arsenal managed to get into shape during Edu’s time.
Over that period, alongside Mikel Arteta, the north London club have gone from mid-table strugglers to Premier League and Champions League title challengers.
There was a shock, though, as Edu resigned at Arsenal in late 2024, ending that spell and ushering in a new era.
Edu Gaspar opens up on Arsenal exit after officially leaving
It’s been a few months since it was announced that Edu would be leaving Arsenal, with plenty changing behind the scenes since.
Arsenal have appointed Andrea Berta as the next sporting director, in charge of taking the Gunners on to that next stage to win titles and trophies.
With all of that happening, Edu’s time has only just officially ended as his gardening leave expires, allowing him to move on.
The Brazilian took to Instagram to send a message to fans, saying: “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.
“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.”
While it’s clear just how much that time meant to him, Edu also had a message for the Arsenal owners, along with the whole staff.
“To our owners, Stan and Josh Kroenke,” he continued. “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!”
Edu then cleared up that, out of respect, he didn’t wish to send a message until his gardening leave was officially over, out of respect for the club.
He added: “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!
“Thank you so much! Edu Gaspar.”
- READ MORE: Arsenal told they made transfer mistake by thumping Real Madrid in Champions League clash
What is next for Edu Gaspar after Arsenal exit?
With Edu’s time at Arsenal now officially over, six months after the initial announcement, the director is now free to look elsewhere.
Reports have stated that Edu will join the Nottingham Forest group of clubs, which includes Olympiacos among other teams across Europe and South America.
It’s a new type of challenge for him, who is yet to oversee a multi-club model during his post-playing career.
It remains to be seen just how much of an impact he could make, but it’s a big task ahead.
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