“I loved working with him” : Mikel Arteta breaks silence on Edu’s exit from Arsenal after the Gunners chief opted not to accept an offer to continue his role…

Mikel Arteta addresses Edu’s departure from Arsenal following the Gunners chief’s decision to decline an offer to remain with the club.

Mikel Arteta shares his thoughts on Edu’s exit from Arsenal after the Gunners chief chose not to accept an offer to extend his tenure.

Edu, a former midfielder for Arsenal, is preparing to collaborate with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and his network of clubs after opting not to accept a position at the Emirates alongside Arteta.

Arteta expressed that Arsenal must “move on” after the surprising exit of sporting director Edu.

The Brazilian, who previously played for the Gunners, is set to join Marinakis’ organization after turning down a chance to continue his partnership with Arteta at the Emirates.

Both Arteta and Edu have played pivotal roles in the team’s development over recent seasons, helping to cultivate a squad that has competed for the Premier League title. Arteta shared his disappointment regarding the end of their collaboration.

“Everything unfolded very rapidly,” Arteta remarked ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League match against Inter Milan at the San Siro on Wednesday.

“I cherished our time working together; it has been a remarkable journey. I am deeply thankful for all he has contributed to me and the club.

“We shared a unique chemistry in our collaboration. I feel fortunate to have had him in my life while managing this club.

“He now has a fantastic opportunity to pursue a different role, which he believes is best for him. We must honor that decision. From the depths of my heart, I wish him all the best.”

Edu joined Arsenal as the club’s inaugural technical director in 2019 and advanced to the position of sporting director in 2022. Despite his departure, Arteta remains confident that Arsenal will maintain its course.

“The plan and vision initiated by ownership will persist,” he stated. “We have a robust leadership team, and we will not falter at this juncture.

“Our commitment to this journey remains unwavering. This opens doors for someone new. We express our gratitude and must move forward.”

The determination to continue this journey remains unwavering, creating new opportunities for others. We express our gratitude and must now proceed forward.

Arteta has welcomed back captain Martin Odegaard into his squad for the upcoming match in Milan following his recovery from an ankle injury, and he acknowledged that Odegaard may play at the San Siro.

“The good news is Martin; it’s fantastic to have him back,” he stated. “He trained with us for the first time today, which is a bit ahead of schedule.

It’s wonderful to have him here, and we will make a decision on his participation for tomorrow.”