>
Arsenal FC on Tuesday appointed its former midfielder, Edu as the technical director of the club.
A statement by the club said “Edu will coordinate the work of our first-team coaching group, the academy and player scouting and recruitment.”
Edu left his role as general coordinator for the Brazilian Football Confederation(CBF) after the team won the Copa America on home soil on Sunday.
The 41-year-old, a member of Arsenal’s invincible Premier League-winning squad in 2003/04, will become the club’s first ever sporting director as they continue to modernise their recruitment structure following the departure of Arsene Wenger last summer.
According to Raul Sanllehi, Arsenal’s head of football, Edu’s arrival is part of the very important process of developing a new football infrastructure that will move the club forward.
His words: “His arrival is the final and very important part of the jigsaw in our development of a new football infrastructure to take us forward.
“He will be working closely with Unai Emery and the first-team coaches, and will play a relevant role leading our football vision.”
Edu played under current Arsenal manager, Emery at Valencia and believes the future is bright for the club despite failing to qualify for the Champions League for three seasons in a row.
“Arsenal has always had a special place in my heart and I’m thrilled to be returning to this great club in this new role.
“We have a strong squad and some very talented young players with fantastic people at every level. I’m looking forward to helping make a difference,” he said.
Edu spent five seasons at Arsenal after joining from Celta Vigo in 2001. He was part of the team that went the whole season unbeaten en route lifting the premier league trophy in 2003/2004. He represented Brazil 22 times.
In his capacity as technical director, he will coordinate the work of first team coaching group, the academy, player scouting and recruitment and efficient strengthening of the squad.