Gilberto Silva shares details of conversation he had with Edu Gaspar after ‘surprise’ Arsenal exit

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Arsenal were recently shocked by Edu Gaspar’s surprise decision to resign his post as the club’s sporting director.

Edu Gaspar had served the North London club in this role since the summer of 2019, when he returned to the Emirates Stadium, having previously represented the Gunners as a player. 

The Brazilian struck up a close working relationship with Mikel Arteta, and together the pair built the squad that has made Arsenal genuine contenders for the biggest prizes in the game once again. 

Arteta paid an emotional tribute to Edu, after the latter’s departure was confirmed. Attention at the club will now have turned to securing his replacement. 

• READ MORE: Who are The Invincibles? Meet the Arsenal record-breakers who became Premier League legends

What Gilberto Silva discussed with Edu Gaspar after Arsenal exit

In his playing days, Edu was part of the Arsenal side that won the 2003/04 Premier League title, without losing a single match in the competition that season. As such, that squad were immortalised with the Invincibles nickname. 

Edu’s fellow midfielder, and another Invincible, Gilberto Silva has now given his verdict on the sporting director’s exit. 

Speaking to Sky Sports, Gilberto revealed that he had been in touch with his compatriot in the wake of his decision to leave Arsenal.

The 48-year-old said: “We exchanged a couple of messages, but I didn’t ask him why he made the decision of leaving.”

Edu’s decision to leave has since been explained by Ian Wright. 

What Gilberto thinks of fellow Invincible Edu

Gilberto and Edu obviously know one another well, and still enjoy a friendship.

In the same interview, Gilberto shed some light on what he really thinks of Edu.

He stated: “Edu is a very cool guy, I think it was a tough decision for him to leave the club. I wish him the best of luck, he has done a great job for the club, and I think the club will miss him. He made a great partnership with Mikel… Honestly, it was a big surprise to me [that he left Arsenal], but sometimes it happens.”

Gilberto remains supportive of Arsenal, and still serves as a club ambassador. He will be desperate to see Arteta kick on and lead the Gunners to glory, even without Edu on hand to support him. 

The Spanish coach’s mission is to deliver the club’s first Premier League title since the Invincibles reigned supreme. 

However, whilst aren’t entirely out of the title race, the Gunners’ inconsistent start to this season has left them in a difficult position. Gilberto has told the Arsenal players what they must do to become champions.