‘It’s important’: Edu Gaspar now shares how The Invincibles are involved with the current Arsenal squad

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Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar first earned his flowers at the club as part of the title-winning side that went unbeaten in 2004.

Nicknamed ‘The Invincibles,’ the players who featured in that side are still seen in and around the club beyond Edu, and the Brazilian has now claimed that he is playing a vital role in connecting the current squad to his old teammates.

The likes of Thierry Henry and Robert Pires are regularly seen at games, and Pires is often seen at the training ground.

What has Edu said about the Invincibles?

Speaking to the club website, Edu has claimed that he has been keen on making sure that the current squad respect the history of the club, and that the former legends who once graced the pitch at Highbury can build a connection with the likes of Bukayo Saka.

“In my role now I think it’s important that I make sure these players are still invited back and involved in what the club is doing today,” he stated.

“We don’t want to lose that connection, so we invite them to the games, to the training ground, to events.

“It’s not only with the Invincibles, but I believe I have a big responsibility to make sure the club respects our ex-players, our legends, the people who achieved so much for this club, and to make sure they are still involved. It’s important those relationships continue.”

Respecting history

Mikel Arteta has been seemingly keen to emphasise the culture and history at Arsenal home to this current crop of young players, after years in which respect for the icons of the past appeared to have faded.

The return of Arsene Wenger to the Emirates last season was a significant moment in this regard, as the legendary manager had not come back since his departure in 2018.

A big part of Arteta and Edu’s cultural rebuild at the club has seen the likes of Ian Wright and Ray Parlour play a close part in club affairs, and more recent ex-players Jack Wilshere and Per Mertesacker have key roles within the academy.

Having former stars around is always nice to see, and former captain Patrick Vieira has even recently hinted at a future return to the club.