Edu Gaspar sends one last message to Arsenal fans ahead of expected Nottingham Forest role

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Edu Gaspar has been a key driver behind Arsenal’s revival in recent years.

As the Gunners’ first-ever Sporting Director, the 46-year-old has worked closely with manager Mikel Arteta off the pitch to overhaul the Arsenal squad.

On an upward trajectory, it is also why Edu’s decision to leave Arsenal earlier this season came as a shock to the football world.

And with the Brazilian’s gardening leave at the Emirates now complete, he has finally spoken out on social media, sending one last message to Arsenal fans.

‘Thank you, Gunners’ – Edu Gaspar sends heartfelt message to Arsenal fans

Taking to social media on Thursday evening, Edu finally confirmed his departure from the Emirates in his own words.

The former Premier League midfielder wrote: ‘With a heart full of gratitude, today I formally close one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life. After five and a half years, my journey officially as Sporting Director of Arsenal FC has come to an end.’

Addressing the Arsenal fans specifically, Edu wrote: ‘To the supporters, my most sincere thank you! The support, the energy, the connection we felt again in every match were simply special.’

Interestingly, Edu added a sentence explaining his silence after initial news broke of his departure six months ago, stating: ‘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 [Arsenal] and everyone involved, I preferred to wait until the final official day of my contract to publish this.’

The Arsenal Invincible then signed off his message, writing: ‘I wish Arsenal FC all the best and every success.’

Edu Gaspar’s expected role at Nottingham Forest

While the Brazilian’s role at the City Ground has yet to be confirmed, it had been reported previously that Edu is expected to start working with Evangelos Marinakis as soon as his gardening leave at Arsenal elapsed.

Marinakis’ admiration of Edu has been long-standing, with the Nottingham Forest owner viewing the former Arsenal Sporting Director as the perfect person to oversee his multi-club model.

It is why Edu’s role at Nottingham Forest will not be the same as that at Arsenal; rather than focusing exclusively on Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, he will spread himself across the multiple clubs owned by Marinakis.

Nevertheless, Espirito Santo has spoken positively about Edu’s appointment previously.

And working with the Nottingham Forest manager, the hope is that the Brazilian can help Nottingham Forest build upon their excellent campaign this term.