The real reason Arsenal were really ‘disappointed’ to see Edu Gaspar leave has been revealed
Edu Gaspar has a new job role ahead of the 2025/26 season, and it’s fair to say that some at Arsenal still miss the former sporting director.
Though Arsenal haven’t looked back since the hiring of Andrea Berta, the Italian had big shoes to fill when taking Edu’s spot.
That’s not necessarily to do with the art of being a successful sporting director, as Berta has orchestrated some of Europe’s deals, but Edu’s legacy at Arsenal is difficult to overlook.
Spending three and a half years on Arsenal’s books as a player and then returning in 2019 as technical director, moving onto sporting director, the Brazilian became part of the furniture in North London.
Why Arsenal were ‘most’ disappointed by Edu Gaspar’s exit
Mikel Arteta was sad to see Edu leave Arsenal, as the businessman left the Gunners in November 2024 in search of a new venture.
The former player has certainly secured that, being unveiled as Nottingham Forest’s new Global Sports Director.
Edu pulled off some impressive and poor transfers at Arsenal, but, in truth, the 47-year-old’s purpose at the club went beyond his job title.
In a fresh instalment of Sky Sports Transfer News, journalist Dharmesh Sheth commented on the feeling around Arsenal seven months ago following Edu’s departure.
“I think what disappointed Arsenal the most was losing Edu, not only as a sporting director, but as a person as well, because he was one of the nicest guys, if you speak to anybody at Arsenal.
“I think it was sadness on both counts that he was going. But look, football moves on, Edu’s moved on, Arsenal have moved on as have Forest.”
Sheth explained that aside from losing their sporting director, the Gunners were pained to see such an influential personality leave the club, an admission that won’t come as much of a surprise.
Mikel Arteta said Edu ‘changed’ his life
Edu was always spoken of highly at Arsenal, with Arteta being one of his colleagues’ biggest advocates.
The feeling was mutual, as Edu was a driving force behind the Arsenal manager’s appointment, which allowed the pair to work together for just under five years.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil months before Edu’s exit, Arteta gave an insight into just how much of an influence his former colleague had on his career.
“From the moment they brought Edu in, it was an absolute success,” Arteta explained.
“Someone who was a player and was absurdly successful at the club, who knew the culture and had a clear vision of how to win.
“He changed my life, because he had the courage to trust me without having been a coach, at such a big club and at a difficult time. You have to have a lot of personality to do that.”
Edu’s personality was something that was celebrated at Arsenal, a trait of the Brazilian that just might still be missed around Colney today.