Mikel Arteta reveals his true feelings about Edu leaving Arsenal

Speaking to the media, Mikel Arteta has revealed his true feelings about Edu Gaspar leaving Arsenal this week.

Arsenal are now without a sporting director, considering Edu Gaspar is leaving the club. So, it might take time for Arsenal to reposition themselves, after five years under Edu's immense directorial guidance.

Without a doubt, Edu's departure will impact both Arsenal as a club and of course, the players. It must not be overlooked that Edu formed a close relationship with the Arsenal players, whether or not he was involved in bringing them to the club.

However, it will also impact Mikel Arteta. The Arsenal manager formed a great relationship with Edu, the two of them being influential to many great Arsenal moves.

Mikel Arteta reveals his true feelings about Edu leaving Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has sent a farewell message to Edu Gaspar and wished him all the best for the future. According to 90min, Mikel Arteta admitted that Arsenal would need to deal with Edu's departure.

In his own words, Mikel Arteta said: "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 continued: "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."

Seemingly, Arteta is just as shocked as the fans are. The Spanish boss even confirmed that everything happened quickly, so we can read between the lines and assume that this was not an ongoing discussion which fans were left in the dark about.

This morning, we reported that there was an offer on the table for Edu from Arsenal. It was a comparable contract to that presented by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

However, Edu would have preferred to oversee a global brand of clubs, which is the logical next step in his career. Therefore, Arsenal fans do not resent Edu for his respectable decision.

Mikel Arteta is believed to be key in the decision making process for Arsenal. He will have a key part to play in helping the club locate Edu's replacement. As someone who wants the best for Arsenal, Arteta will not settle for any less than Edu.

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