Arsenal lose sporting director Edu before Inter Champions League clash

Former sporting Director of Premier League club Arsenal Edu Gaspar arrives at the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 in London, Great Britain, 15 January 2024. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Arsenal have confirmed that their sporting director Edu Gaspar has resigned from his position, just two days before the team’s Champions League fixture away against Inter in San Siro. 

Arsenal sporting director resigns before Inter Champions League match

Edu, part of Asene Wenger’s ‘invincibles’ team in 2003-04, re-joined the Gunners as a technical director in 2019, before going on to fill the role of sporting director from November 2022 onwards. 

The club confirmed in a statement that he has now resigned from his post in order to explore other opportunities elsewhere. 

“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,” Edu said in an official statement.  

“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel (Arteta), 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.”

Arsenal will face Inter in San Siro on Wednesday night for the fourth round of 20244-25 Champions League fixtures. 

Mikel Arteta’s side are currently in ninth place in the Champions League table, with seven points from their last three outings. 

Inter have the same number of points as Arsenal, but sit just ahead of them in seventh place on goal difference. 

The top eight teams at the end of the League Phase will automatically qualify for the Champions League knock-out rounds, while the teams in ninth down to 24th will contest in an additional play-off round.