Arsenal hero speaks out on link with replacing Edu as sporting director

Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has not ruled out the possibility that he could replace Edu after the shock departure of the sporting director this month.

Edu’s shock resignation was confirmed by the club earlier this month, with the Brazilian set to join Evangelos Marinakis’ group of clubs, which includes Nottingham Forest.

It was a successful stint for the Brazilian with the Gunners, having rejoined the club as technical director in 2019 and then stepping up to sporting director in 2022.

Gilberto and Edu played for the club at the same time in the 2000s and the 48-year-old has been linked with replacing his fellow Brazilian in the role.

He was asked by Sky Sports if he had spoken to Edu since his departure was announced, with Silva saying: ‘We exchanged a couple of messages, but I didn’t ask him why he made the decision.

‘Edu is a very cool guy. I think it was a tough decision for him to leave the club and I wish him the best of luck. He has done a great job for the club and, of course, I think the club will miss him. He made a great partnership with Mikel in order to have a good balance for Arsenal.

‘Honestly, it was a big surprise for me but sometimes it happens and I hope that he’ll be happy with the next challenge and whatever he decides to do.

On whether he would be interested in the job himself, Silva said: ‘I still do some work with the club as an ambassador.

‘This is not something I was [thinking about doing] in the next few years, despite the fact that I have done it for Panathanaikos in the past. In the last few years, I have been on a different road in football and with Arsenal.

‘I don’t know, I don’t know. I have done the preparation for it a few years ago and I have been [approached] by a few clubs in Brazil, but I decided not to take the position. I am not saying right now, but it’s always great to be around Arsenal even as an ambassador.’

Gilberto is not the only former player to be linked with the role, as Per Mertesacker and Tomas Rosicky have both been touted as candidates.

On his surprise move, Edu said: ‘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.

‘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.’