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Edu has a new job | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal’s former sporting director Edu Gaspar has been speaking after arriving in his new job.
Edu and Arteta were said to have had a good relationship, but things may have changed when Edu decided to walk away. Reports emerged claiming that he was not happy with Arteta’s ‘increased authority’ at the club.
Arteta had his role changed from head coach to manager, it seems he was having too much of a say for Edu to do his job effectively. Edu would go on gardening leave having decided to leave and join Nottingham Forest, and his appointment has now finally been made official.
A Forest club statement read: “Nottingham Forest is proud to announce the appointment of Edu Gaspar as Global Head of Football, a newly established leadership role overseeing football operations.
“Edu brings a wealth of global football experience, both as a former elite player and a highly respected executive. Since transitioning into football management in 2011, Edu has held senior roles at SC Corinthians Paulista, the Brazilian National Team, and most recently, Arsenal FC, where he has earned widespread acclaim for his innovative and strategic approach to modern football operations.”
Upon his appointment, Edu told the Forest club site: “I’m truly excited about this new chapter and honoured by the trust placed in me. This project connects deeply with my values around innovation and long-term planning. I look forward to building a global football model that is competitive, sustainable, and aligned with our President’s ambition.”
Edu’s subtle dig
Given Edu was clearly unhappy with his Arsenal role and the way it turned out, you have to wonder whether there is a subtle dig from the Brazilian when points out that the ‘project connects deeply’ with his ‘values’.
Edu might just be pointing out that by the time he left Arsenal, the project no longer aligned with what he wanted, and that did seem to be the case. It would certainly be interested to get Edu’s thoughts on his final days at Arsenal and what he feels was an issue, though we are not likely to get such details until much further down the line as he concentrates on his new job.
It seems Arteta doesn’t hold any ill will, though, at least not publicly, saying when Edu departed: “Everything happened very quickly. I loved working with him, I really enjoyed being alongside him in this incredible journey. I'm very grateful for everything he's done for me and the football club.
"We both had this special chemistry working together. I'm very blessed that he's been part of my life managing this club. He's had an amazing opportunity now to do something else in a different role. He feels that's best for him. We have to respect that. From that bottom of my heart I wish the best for him." Arsenal are now forging ahead with new sporting director Andrea Berta.
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