Kaka, Fabregas and others react as Edu Gaspar becomes Arsenal’s first-ever sporting director

The 44-year-old spent three-and-a-half years as a player at Arsenal and won two Premier League titles. He returned as the club’s technical director in 2019, and after some fantastic work in North London, he has been handed a well-deserved promotion.

Kaka, Fabregas and others react as Edu Gaspar becomes Arsenal’s first-ever sporting director

Arsenal have come a long way since Edu was appointed as the technical director three years ago. The club wasn’t in a great state back in 2019 – the Brazilian had to sack Unai Emery just four months into his job.

Gunners supporters have been asked to trust the process by Edu and Mikel Arteta since, and they’re delivering now.

Edu has completely changed this Arsenal side in the last three windows. He has pulled off multiple incredible signings and has moved on plenty of players as well.

The Gunners are sitting on top of the Premier League table at the moment – five points clear of defending champions Manchester City. Mikel Arteta is being raved about as the manager of the season so far and rightly so, but Edu deserves huge praise for all the work he has done as well.

After the announcement yesterday, Edu took to Instagram to say a ‘big thank you’ to all those who have supported him over the years. A number of popular footballers – past and present – congratulated him on his promotion.

Cesc Fabregas wrote, “Grande amigo,” while Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert said: “Congrats my brother! Well deserved!”

Real Madrid legend Fernando Morientes wrote: “Well deserved. You are number one!”

Brazil icon Kaka commented, “Congratulations Eduardoooooo! You deserve it a lot,” while Luisao wrote: “Reference and an amazing legacy!! Congratulations my friend!”

Our View:

Arsenal have had to make plenty of difficult decisions over the last few years. Arteta has been the face of most of it, but Edu has played a big part behind the scenes as well.

The Brazilian has been behind all the transfers Arsenal have pulled off.

It has even been reported that two of Arsenal’s three Gabriels – Jesus and Magalhaes – were convinced to join the Gunners by Edu, who played a big part in their moves.

Arsenal fans are delighted with the job Edu has done, and they’ll be hoping for more of the same as the Gunners look to mount a title charge in the second half of the season.