Mikel Arteta says Edu Gaspar’s exit from Arsenal happened very quickly but expressed delight that he had the chance to work with him.
Edu resigned from his position as Arsenal sporting director and according to The Athletic, the Brazilian was set to leave the north London club before taking up a role working with the group of teams controlled by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
It was reported that contracts have yet to be signed and the exact role still needs to be finalised, but there is an agreement in place that will see Edu take on a fresh challenge under the Greek businessman.
“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.
“I’m very blessed he’s been part of my life in such a beautiful place that I am right now, managing this amazing club and he’s been a massive part of that. He’s got an amazing opportunity now to do something else, in a different role and he believes it’s the right professional move for him. We have to respect that, and from the bottom of my heart, everybody really feels that we want the best for him.
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.”