Former Arsenal midfielder, Edu, returned to the club on Tuesday to take up the role of technical director.
Edu has already left his role as general coordinator for the Brazilian Football Confederation after the team won the Copa America on home soil.
“We’re very excited that Edu is joining the team. He has great experience and technical football knowledge and most importantly is a true Arsenal man. He understands the club and what we stand for to our millions of fans around the world.”
“His arrival is the final and very important part of the jigsaw in our development of a new football infrastructure. He will be working closely with Unai and will play a relevant role leading our football vision.” Head of football Raul Sanllehi said
“Edu will coordinate the work of our first-team coaching group, the academy and player scouting and recruitment,” Arsenal said in a statement.
The 41-year-old, a member of Arsenal’s unbeaten Premier League winning squad in 2003/04, will become the club’s first ever sporting director as they continue to modernise their recruitment structure following the departure of Arsene Wenger last year.
In his word Edu said:
“Arsenal has always had a special place in my heart and I’m thrilled to be returning to this great club in this new role. We have a strong squad and some very talented young players with fantastic people at every level. I’m looking forward to helping make a difference.”
Edu played under Arsenal manager Emery at Valencia and believes the future is bright for the club despite failing to qualify for the Champions League for three seasons in a row.
