EDU GASPAR has released an emotional tribute to Arsenal fans after his final day with the club.
Having joined as technical director in 2019, , working closely with to overhaul the culture at the Emirates.
He is widely credited with doing an excellent job and playing a crucial role in ‘s rebuild into a title-chasing side.
Edu, who was last month replaced by was on gardening leave until this week, and he has paid farewell to the Gunners.
He posted on Instagram: “Thank you, Arsenal. Thank you, Gunners!
“With a heart full of gratitude, today formally I close one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life.
“After five and a half years, my journey officially as Sporting Director of FC has come to the end.
“I joined the club in July 2019 as Technical Director, with the challenge of bringing Arsenal with the mission of bringing Arsenal back where it belongs among football’s elite, driving a cultural shift, keep competing for trophies, and making qualification the minimum expectation for a club of Arsenal’s size.
“Later, I had the honour of becoming the first-ever Sporting Director in the club’s history, a milestone I will always carry with great pride.
“And throughout this process of rebuilding, you the fans were an essential part of everything!
“To the supporters, my most sincere thank you! The support, the energy, and the connection we felt again in every match were simply special.
“The Emirates became an amplified version of the old Highbury atmosphere! To have experienced this alongside you is something I will never forget.”
The later added: “It was never easy, but our intense work, united by a true team spirit, made me feel fulfilled throughout all these years!
“If I’m only now sharing this message, it’s because I’ve been on garden leave in recent months and, out of respect for the club and everyone involved, I preferred to wait until the final official day of my contract to publish this.
“I wish Arsenal FC all the best and every success, and I also send my warmest wishes to the new Sporting Director Andrea, who now takes on this beautiful role.
“I leave with a peaceful heart and immense pride in what we’ve built together!”
Edu is expected to front owner which includes the Premier League side, Olympiacos and Rio Ave.
He won six trophies with Arsenal during his playing career, including two titles – in 2002 and the Invincible 2004 campaign.
As a director, he witnessed one triumph and two triumphs.
The Gunners have finished second in the Premier League in each of the past two seasons, having placed eighth, eighth and fifth in the three campaigns before that.
Arteta's men look set to miss out on the title once again this term as they sit second, 11 points behind leaders .
But Arsenal have on foot in the semi-finals of the after hammering on Tuesday.
