Arsenal legend answers media questions amid talk of him replacing Edu
- Gilberto Silva has been linked with the potential replacement of Edu as Arsenal’s sporting director.
- Silva has experience in a similar role, having served as technical director at Panathinaikos.
- Edu set to take on new role at Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ football empire
Gilberto Silva has made his first move after being linked with the move to replace Edu as Arsenal sporting director.
Asked if he had spoken to Edu since his departure was announced, Silva told Sky Sports:
“We’ve exchanged a few messages but I haven’t asked him why he made that decision.”
“Edu is a great guy. I think it was a difficult decision for him to leave the ยูฟ่าเบท club and I wish him well. He has done a great job for the club and I think the club will miss him. He has worked well with Mikel to create a good balance with Arsenal so far.”
“To be honest, it was a big surprise for me. But sometimes it happens and I hope he enjoys the next challenge and whatever he decides to do.”
Silva was then asked if he would be interested in replacing Edu, and he replied: “I still work with the club in an ambassadorial capacity.”
“This is not what I think I will be doing in the next few years, even though I have done this job for Panathinaikos. In the last few years I have been on a different path in football and with Arsenal.”
“I don’t know. I’ve been preparing for years and I’ve been approached by a couple of clubs in Brazil, but I decided not to accept the position. I can’t say much now, but it’s always good to be around Arsenal as an ambassador.”
Silva, who played alongside Edu at both Arsenal and Brazil, was a key member of the Gunners’ Invincibles side and has experience of a similar role having previously worked as technical director at Panathinaikos in Greece.
Meanwhile, Edu has left Arsenal and is set to take up a new role overseeing Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ football empire.