OFFICIAL: Edu Gaspar resigns as Arsenal sporting director

Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar has officially quit his role to join Nottingham Forest‘s multi-club network.

The Brazilian has brought the curtain down on his eminently successful time at Arsenal. A former Gunners Invincible, Edu has helped rebuild the club with Mikel Arteta and turned it into one of the best-run in Europe.

Edu’s track record of signing talent for Arsenal was exceptional and his departure will be a massive blow to the north London giants. Early on Monday, rumours first surfaced that the 46-year-old was set to leave the club and things quickly reached a conclusion.

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After David Ornstein confirmed that Edu had already agreed to head up Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club network, the Gunners’ recruitment chief has now officially resigned from his role in order to be able to start his new job as soon as possible.

Edu resigns as Arsenal sporting director

“This was an incredibly hard decision to make,” Edu is quoted as saying in an official statement. “Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history.

“It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me. I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.

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“Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”

Together with Marinakis, Edu will now oversee Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave and be tasked with adding clubs to the Greek businessman’s budding footballing empire.