Mikel Arteta shows true colours after admission over Edu departure from Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has reacted after Edu announced that he was resigning as Arsenal's sporting director.

The Brazilian is set to become CEO of Evangelos Marinakis' multi-club operation which involves Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave. He confirmed the news in a statement on Monday.

"This was an incredibly hard decision to make," said. "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. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.

“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. 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.”

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Arteta had a strong working relationship with Edu and was full of praise for the man who brought him to the club in 2019.

"Everything happened very quickly, I loved working with him, I really enjoyed being alongside him in this incredible journey. I’m very grateful for everything he’s done for me and the football club," Arteta told the media on Tuesday.

"I think we both had this special chemistry working together. I’m very blessed that he’s been part of my life managing this club.

"He’s had an amazing opportunity now to do something else in a different role. He feels that’s best for him. We have to respect that. From that bottom of my heart I wish the best for him."

Edu played a key roll in turning Arsenal around from back-to-back eighth placed finishes between 2020 and 2021, to challenging for the Premier League title for the past few years. This has led to concerns that the Gunners may now struggle in his absence. Arteta though remained optimistic.

"The plan and vision that starts with ownership is going to continue," the Spaniard said. "We have a very strong leadership team and we’re not going to stop right now. The passion to fulfil this journey is not going to stop. That means opportunities for someone else. We say thankyou and we have to move on."