Arteta Speaks On Edu’s Sudden Exit From Arsenal

Mikel Arteta admitted that Edu Gaspar’s departure from Arsenal happened swiftly but shared his gratitude for the opportunity to have worked alongside him.

Edu recently resigned from his role as Arsenal’s sporting director, with The Athletic reporting that the Brazilian is set to join the group of clubs owned by Nottingham Forest’s proprietor, Evangelos Marinakis.

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Though final contracts are yet to be signed and the specific role still being defined, there is an agreement in place that will see Edu take on a new venture under the Greek businessman’s ownership.

“Everything happened very quickly. Obviously I loved working with him, I really enjoyed being alongside him on this incredible journey,” Arteta said in his pre-match presser ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Inter.

“From day one we’ve been together. First of all I’m very grateful personally for everything he’s done for me, and for the amazing work he’s done for the football club. I think we both had this special chemistry, working together, we really both enjoyed our roles and working together.

On what he would say to supporters if they have concerns after Edu’s departure, “The plan and vision that starts with ownership is very clear and very ambitious, we are going to continue. We have a very strong leadership team, with unbelievable knowhow, real passion and great feeling for the football club.

“We are not going to stop where we are at the moment. Across the club (there is) excitement, passion, and understanding of where we want to take this journey remains in tact. That means opportunities for somebody else to come in, to fill that role. There are people that Edu has brought as well, alongside him on this journey which is always very important. And we move on. We say ‘thank you’ and we have to move on because that is the reality of our industry.”