Huge pay rise and more power - Edu joins Marinakis' empire

The end of an era at Emirates! The man who rebuilt Arsenal and helped the North London club become a regular title contender is officially leaving. Edu is no longer the Gunners' sporting director, which he confirmed in a joint statement with his now-former club.

"This was an incredibly hard decision to make. 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. 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," Edu said and thanked his "great friend" Mikel Arteta.

On behalf of the club from Emirates, the co-chairman Josh Kroenke thanked the 46-year-old for his contribution and dedication.

"We respect Edu's decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward. Change and evolution is a part of our club. We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition."

The "love story" between Arsenal and Edu lasted for nine years in total since the Brazilian spent four years in London as a player before joining in 2019 as the club's first-ever technical director and, since 2022, first-ever sporting director. Before Arsenal, Edu was a director of football at the Brazilian side Corinthians, an advisor with the Iran national team, and a coordinator of the Brazil national team. The fact that he was named Best European Director for 2023 at the Golden Boy awards shows his terrific work at Emirates Stadium.

The reasons for his departure are allegedly known since Evangelos Marinakis is willing to fulfil Edu's wish and make him CEO of his group of clubs, which, apart from Nottingham Forest, includes the Portuguese Rio Ave and the Greek Olympiacos. In addition, the Brazilian will earn three times more than with the Gunners.

Edu finds his 'place in the sun' under the Trees?

Edu's departure will undoubtedly leave a huge gap within Arsenal's management, which will have to be filled soon, given that the January transfer window is approaching. Still, the 46-year-old has left an immense legacy in North London, and it wouldn't be wrong to say that he was one of the most deserving of Arsenal's "resurrection."

Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, and Mikel Merino are only some of the players he brought to the club, who became crucial in Arsenal's campaign for the Premier League title.