Former Arsenal star Gilberto Silva has it he spoke at Edu’s march of the club as sporting director and played down talk of possibly taking on that role himself.
The former Brazil international was, like Edu, a key player for Arsenal and the Brazil national team in his day, and one imagines he would be a popular choice to return to the Emirates Stadium.
Gilberto was another member of that famous Arsenal 2003/04 Invincibles team, so he will know all about what it takes to get the club back to success.
Still, Gilberto is yet to commit to the role and suggested he is happy to follow a slightly different path as a Gunners ambassador.
The former defensive midfielder also expressed his surprise that Edu is leaving in the first place, stating that he believes that Arsenal will struggle to replace him after the good work he has done alongside Mikel Arteta in recent years.
Gilberto on Edu’s departure and the possible return of Arsenal
talking with Sky SportsGilberto said: “Edu is a really cool guy. I think it was a difficult decision for him to leave the club and I wish him the best of luck. He’s done a great job for the club and of course I think the club will find him in made a great partnership with Mikel to have a good balance for Arsenal.
“Honestly, it was a big surprise for me, but it happens sometimes and I hope he’s happy with the next challenge and whatever he decides to do.”
He added: “I still work with the club as an ambassador.
“This is not something I was (thinking about doing) in the next few years, although I have done it for Panathinaikos in the past. In the last few years I have gone down a different path in football and with Arsenal.
“I don’t know, I don’t know. I did the preparation a few years ago and I was approached by a few clubs in Brazil, but I decided not to take the position. I’m not saying it right now, but it’s always great to be around Arsenal even as an ambassador.”
