Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has expressed his admiration for Edu, his former teammate, highlighting Edu’s significant contributions to Arsenal’s resurgence as the club seeks its first Premier League title in over two decades. In a recent interview with FourFourTwo, Gilberto reflected on their strong bond formed during their time together at both Arsenal and the Brazilian national team.
Gilberto and Edu shared the pitch for Brazil and Arsenal between 2002 and 2005, playing together on 66 occasions. Gilberto describes Edu as more than a friend, stating, “Edu isn’t just a friend to me – he’s like a brother.” This deep connection has only grown since Edu returned to Arsenal in July 2019, initially taking on the role of technical director.
Edu’s return came at a challenging time for Arsenal, which was experiencing a period of transition following the departure of long-time manager Arsène Wenger. Gilberto noted, “He arrived at a time when results were poor, pressure was immense and supporters were demanding answers.” The club was seeking its identity amid a turbulent phase marked by inconsistency on the pitch.
In his current role, Edu has been instrumental in reshaping the squad. According to Gilberto, “What was always clear was that he worked in complete alignment with the club’s values and culture.” He emphasized that player recruitment under Edu has focused on finding individuals who understand Arsenal’s “DNA,” ensuring that new signings fit not only the tactical needs but also the ethos of the club.
As Arsenal advances in its quest for the title, Gilberto acknowledged that the process of rebuilding the team was fraught with challenges. He stated, “The team clearly needed rebuilding, and that often brings friction, particularly when results don’t follow.” However, he commended Edu for his strategic foresight, noting that as the club has moved closer to competing for the Premier League title, the adjustments made have become more targeted and measured.
Gilberto’s pride in Edu’s journey from a key player to a pivotal figure in the club’s executive team is evident. “His influence on what’s happening now is enormous,” he remarked, recognizing that many of the decisions shaping the club’s current trajectory were made years ago. As Arsenal continues to push forward, the partnership between Gilberto and Edu serves as a testament to the lasting connections formed through football and the impact of strong leadership in the sport.
