Arsenal Invincibles star Gilberto Silva responds to replacing Edu as Gunners chief
Edu left his role as Arsenal's sporting director earlier this month and his former Gunners teammate Gilberto Silva appears to be open to potentially replacing him
by Matthew Cooper · The MirrorGilberto Silva has been asked if he would consider replacing his former teammate Edu as Arsenal's sporting director.
Silva, who played alongside Edu for both Arsenal and Brazil, was a key member of the legendary Invincibles side and he does have some experience in a similar role after working as the technical director of Greek club Panathinaikos.
Edu, meanwhile, quit Arsenal earlier this month and is set to take on a new role at Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis's stable of clubs. When asked if he had spoken to Edu since the announcement of his departure, Silva told Sky Sports : "We exchanged a couple of messages, but I didn't ask him why he made the decision.
"Edu is a very cool guy. I think it was a tough decision for him to leave the club and I wish him the best of luck. He has done a great job for the club and, of course, I think the club will miss him. He made a great partnership with Mikel in order to have a good balance for Arsenal.
"Honestly, it was a big surprise for me but sometimes it happens and I hope that he'll be happy with the next challenge and whatever he decides to do." Silva was then asked if he would be interested in replacing Edu and responded: "I still do some work with the club as an ambassador.
"This is not something I was [thinking about doing] in the next few years, despite the fact that I have done it for Panathanaikos in the past. In the last few years, I have been on a different road in football and with Arsenal.
"I don't know, I don't know. I have done the preparation for it a few years ago and I have been [approached] by a few clubs in Brazil, but I decided not to take the position. I am not saying right now, but it's always great to be around Arsenal even as an ambassador."
Explaining his decision to leave the Emirates, Edu spoke of his desire to "pursue a different challenge". He said: "This was an incredibly hard decision to make. 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.
"It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they've given me. I've loved working with so many great colleagues across our men's, women's and academy teams, especially Mikel, 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."
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