Arteta Affirms Arsenal’s Vision Will Persist After Edu’s Departure

Manager Mikel Arteta affirmed that Arsenal’s “very ambitious” vision is set to persist, even following the departure of Edu from his role as the club’s sporting director. Edu, a Brazilian national, submitted his resignation on Monday, concluding a two-year tenure in the position. He had initially returned to the Gunners as technical director in the summer of 2019. Edu, aged 46, was an Arsenal player from 2001 to 2005, during which he secured two league titles, including one as a member of the ‘Invincibles’ squad in the 2003-04 season. He has received widespread recognition for his contribution to re-establishing the club as a legitimate contender for the title. Nevertheless, Arteta expressed confidence that Arsenal will maintain its current trajectory in his absence. Arteta stated, “The plan and vision, that starts with the ownership, that is very clear and very ambitious is going to continue.” He added, “We have a very strong leadership team with an unbelievable know-how, a real passion and great feelings for the club, we’re not going to stop where we are at the moment.” Arteta further commented, “Across the club, the excitement, the passion, the understanding of where we want to take this journey remain intact.” Edu played a significant role in recruiting Arteta as Arsenal manager in 2019, a period that saw the club secure the FA Cup trophy at the conclusion of Arteta’s inaugural season at the helm. Arteta further remarked, “From day one, we’ve been together and I’m very grateful personally for everything he’s done for me and the amazing work he’s done for the football club.” He continued, “We both had this special chemistry working together.” Arteta also stated, “I’m very blessed that he’s been part of my life in such a beautiful place, managing this incredible club. He’s been a massive part of that.” He concluded his comments on Edu, saying, “He’s had an amazing opportunity now to do something else in a different role. He believes that’s the right professional move for him. We have to respect that. From that bottom of my heart, I think everybody feels that we want the best for him.” Edu’s exit follows a period where Arsenal has lost two of its last three Premier League matches and drawn one, resulting in the team trailing leaders Liverpool by seven points. Nevertheless, the club is set to compete in its Champions League fixture against Inter Milan with an undefeated record in the tournament, having secured two victories from its initial three games. “With everything that we’ve been through these last four or five years – what a great place we are in,” Arteta commented. He elaborated, “There have been problems of all kinds at this football club for many years but we are in an incredible moment right now. We are blessed to be where we are.”