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      Arsenal release statement confirming Edu has RESIGNED as sporting director with Brazilian set to join Nottingham Forest

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      ARSENAL have announced that sporting director Edu Gaspar has left the club.The chief has helped oversee the Gunners’ rise to title challengers under Mikel Arteta.Edu has officially quit ArsenalCredit: GettyEdu has been key to Arsenal’s rise under Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal player re-joined as their technical director in the summer of 2019 and was then promoted to sporting director two years ago.He has decided to quit following talks about a hierarchy reshuffle.The 46-year-old Brazilian is now considering taking up a role under Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ stable of clubs, which include Olympiacos in Greece and Rio Ave in Portugal.Arsenal confirmed his resignation in a statement that read: “We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. “READ MORE ON ARSENALOn his time at the club, Edu 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.”Co-chairman Josh Kroenke added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.  Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.  “Change and evolution is a part of our club. We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”Mikel Arteta debunks claims referees and VAR have conspiracy against Arsenal after flurry of controversial decisions Edu could triple his salary by moving to oversee Marinakis’ football empire.He has been credited for transforming Arsenal in recent years, being key to the appointment of Arteta.Edu played a huge role in securing hit signings like William Saliba, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, while also seeing stars like Ben White and Bukayo Saka pen new contracts.With Edu as Arsenal’s top chief, they have come runners-up to Manchester City twice.How Edu made Arsenal great againBy Jack RosserEDU GASPAR has been on a mission to ‘Make Arsenal Great Again’ ever since returning to the club he played for 2019.After a few wobbles early on – signing Nicolas Pepe will never reflect well – the Brazilian has, alongside Mikel Arteta, been crucial in the club’s transformation.Arteta was brought in as the new manager within months of Edu’s return to North London and the former midfielder stuck by the boss when the pressure was on two years into the job.Instead of making the knee-jerk decision to change manager again, the former Brazil international, joined forces with Arteta to institute a huge change of culture at The Emirates.Overpaid toxic influences such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were purged from the dressing room and Arsenal set about adding strong characters.Edu finally got the club competing in the transfer market again, with Martin Odegaard an outstanding capture for the club. In landing Declan Rice ahead of Manchester City last year Arsenal showed they couple compete for and sign some of Europe’s biggest talents once more.Arsenal have become one of the most attractive clubs in the Premier League and one of the most efficient in the market.While there have been big deals for the likes of Rice and Calafiori, there have been smart ones too – picking out value where others have lost hope.Kai Havertz appeared as a surprising signing after a dreadful season at Chelsea. But after Edu gave the German space and support to rebuild his confidence he has developed into a fine asset for Arteta.Edu does not only have a tight relationship with Arteta – who many fans will be glad signed a new deal before the sporting director’s departure – but the players too, always ready and waiting to check in, keep them going.London Colney and The Emirates will feel a very different place for all of them without Edu. More

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      Could Ruben Amorim be Man Utd’s next Sir Alex Ferguson? Eerie similarity between both appointments emerges

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      RUBEN AMORIM is the latest man tasked with leading Manchester United back to glory.The 39-year-old became the new United head coach last week following Erik ten Hag’s departure.Ruben Amorim will take over at Man Utd next weekCredit: PAHis appointment has similarities to the time Sir Alex Ferguson first arrived at UnitedCredit: GettyTen Hag was sacked following a poor start to the season, with the club struggling in the bottom half of the Premier League table.Amorim quickly emerged as the priority target for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and penned a two-and-a-half year deal just a matter of days later.The ex-Portugal midfielder will officially take the reins on November 11 – but he faces the huge challenge of hauling Man Utd up the Prem table and through the Europa League group stage.Despite the sheer weight of the task, he can look to legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson for inspiration.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhen the United icon first took over at Old Trafford back in 1986, the Red Devils had just 12 points from 10 league games.At the time, Ferguson had only managed in Scotland.Now, with Amorim about to step in, Man Utd sit 13th in the table with 12 points from 10 games.And similarly, the ex-midfielder has only managed in Portugal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim jokingly compared himself to Ferguson when looking ahead to Sporting Lisbon’s Champions League clash with Manchester City on Monday.He said: “The focus is on winning the game for Sporting, after that, the inferences that people will draw from this game are not important to me because they could be misleading.Watch as Sporting CP’s fans jeer at new Manchester United Manager Rúben Amorim”If the result is negative, expectations will drop; if we win they will think that the new Alex Ferguson has arrived!”What interests me is to win, a good farewell in Alvalade, win in Braga and start a new adventure in Manchester.”What I want is to leave the fans and my players happy for what is to come in the new season.”Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      There’s something wrong with refereeing after Martinez dodged red for career-threatening Palmer foul, says ex-Prem ref

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      LISANDRO MARTINEZ avoiding a red card for his shocking challenge on Cole Palmer signals something could be wrong with refereeing, according to Mark Halsey.The former Premier League referee believes the Manchester United defender was “very lucky” to escape a red card.Lisandro Martinez escaped a red card for his high tackle on Cole PalmerCredit: PAThe challenge could gave caused a serious injuryCredit: PAMark Halsey questioned why VAR did not intervene to send off MartinezCredit: AFPMartinez caught Palmer high on his knee with a reckless lunge that could have led to a serious injury.Ref Rob Jones booked Martinez for the tackle but VAR did not recommend a review, so there was no opportunity to increase the Argentine’s punishment.Halsey cannot understand why VAR did not intervene and he believes Martinez would have walked if the ref took a second look at the incident.Halsey told SunSport’s Whistleblower: “I was surprised that VAR didn’t recommend a review because I don’t think Martinez could have any complaints had he seen red card for that offence. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Because it was for me, it was serious foul play. It was a challenge that endangered the player’s safety because he was so high. Okay, the force wasn’t there.”But it’s a career threatening challenge when you’re going that high on someone’s knee.”If officials do not think that’s a red card. Then there’s something seriously wrong. It’s not about knowing the laws of the game.”I think Martinez was very, very lucky that he didn’t see red.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans were also shocked Martinez did not walk, as was Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.He said after the match: “I think there is not intention to take the ball and the foul is quite dangerous.”Manchester United vs Chelsea: Player Ratings Breakdown (2)”It is quite clear it is a red.”While Gary Neville said in commentary: “When you go that high I think you’re asking for a red card. I think he’s lucky.”When you go knee-high and the ball’s gone, I think it’s a red.” More

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      Tottenham star Pedro Porro will donate part of wages to help clean up flood-hit Valencia

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      TOTTENHAM star Pedro Porro will donate part of his salary to help with the clean-up of flood-hit Valencia.Spain is in mourning after more than 200 people were killed in the catastrophe, which began on Tuesday following a period of intense rainfall.Pedro Porro will donate part of his salary to the Valencia relief fundCredit: AlamyFloods have devastated ValenciaCredit: AFPThe horrific weather conditions have caused a huge amount of damage to the areaCredit: EPAIt was the worst flood to hit the country for decades which saw bridges collapse and nearby towns covered in thick mud.Spanish international Porro, who comes from humble beginnings himself, said he would be back in his homeland now helping with the tidy-up if his football schedule allowed.Instead the 25-year-old is offering up some of his wages to go towards any resources needed to restore the area.Porro, speaking after playing in Spurs’ 4-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, said: “First of all, I just want to say that, well, for a Spaniard, today, for all Spaniards, it’s a sad day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I think we’ve had three, four, five days of terrible suffering. I can’t even imagine what it’s like for everyone involved in Valencia.“And, as I posted on social media, I want to dedicate this victory to them.”Porro wrote a message on Instagram after the thumping win over top-four rivals Aston Villa that read: “Big result. I want to dedicate today’s win to all those who are currently suffering in Valencia at this extremely difficult time. You are in all of our prayers”, together with a black-coloured heart emoji.Spurs and Villa’s players all wore black armbands during the game in tribute to the victims of the flood, which totalled a tragic 217.Most read in FootballAsked what it has been like for him watching on from England: “There’s a sense of helplessness.“Helplessness about not being there, because I know what it’s like to be ‘in the mud’.Mum sobs as she begs for help to find daughter missing for 4 days in Valencia floods as 10k troops deployed & 213 dead“I’d be the first one there to help, to show up, but I’m in London, I have competitions, I can’t.“I’d say it’s helplessness because I’d like to help.“But I’ve already spoken to my agents, and I’m going to donate part of my salary to cover whatever they need, to buy shovels, food, especially anything they need.”Porro joined Spurs from Sporting Lisbon for £40million, after an initial loan spell, in 2023.He arrived from Sporting Lisbon, where he worked under incoming Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.Porro praised Amorim for how he boosted his confidence after he joined the Portuguese side from Manchester City – and for how the 39-year-old’s 3-4-3 system suited his skillset.The five-cap La Roja full-back said: “He’s a great coach. I worked with him for three years.“He’s coming to one of the best stages in the world, which is the Premier League. I wish him the best and hope things go as well as possible for him.“He helped me a lot with confidence. I think the confidence he gave me was fundamental for me, and that’s why, when I arrived at Sporting, things went well for me.“The style of play also suited me well.”Several players shared their condolences and sent well-wishes to those affected by the floods in Spain over the weekend.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti claimed on Monday that fixtures around the country should not have taken place.He explained: “I think the whole football world has been quite clear on this.”Nobody wanted to play and that seemed to me to be the right decision. We are not the ones in charge and we have to respect the decision of those in charge.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s very difficult to prepare for a match like this because you have it in your head all the time. What happened was unbelievable and terrible.”It’s been a difficult week — it’s a difficult week because the atmosphere is not normal, but nothing to do with the Ballon d’Or, which has already happened and we congratulate the winners… The sadness is not there, but in what is happening here in Spain.”A red warning is in place for Valencia with orange and yellow warnings along the east coast More

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      Chelsea legend Michael Essien takes latest step in football management journey as he continues to rise to top

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      CHELSEA legend Michael Essien has taken the next step on his journey into football management by completing his UEFA course.The 41-year-old expressed a desire to continue working in football after hanging up his boots over six years ago.Michael Essien has completed his UEFA management courseCredit: X @MichaelEssienHe took up a coaching role with Danish side Nordsjaelland in 2020 and was tasked with helping young players transition into the first team.While working for the club, Essien has continued to collect his coaching badges.The Premier League icon recently completed his UEFA Certificate in Football Management course, meaning he is now prepared to take the next step in his coaching career.Essien shared his achievement on social media last week.READ MORE ON CHELSEAHe wrote: “Finally done with my UEFA certificate in football management journey.”Thanks all for the help. I keep learning about the beautiful game.”In a recent interview with Joy Sports, Essien revealed he initially had no interest in becoming a coach when he was a player.However, his mindset quickly changed when he retired.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe explained: “When I was playing, if you asked me if I wanted to go into coaching, I would say no.”But as time passed, I started thinking: I’ve been in football all my life; why not take up coaching and acquire my license to still stay in football and be around the players?”Chelsea ratings vs Man UtdEssien joined Chelsea in a £24.4million transfer from Lyon in 2005 and went on to make 256 appearances.He also won the Champions League, two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the League Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.Bastia, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Panathinaikos, Persib Bandung and Sabail are among the other clubs he played for.Essien was also capped 59 times by the Ghana national team as a player. More

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      Edu considering joining Arsenal’s Premier League rivals and have salary TRIPLED as next move revealed

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      EDU GASPAR has been lined up to join Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ footballing empire.The Greek billionaire, who also owns Olympiacos and Rio Ave, is ready to treble Edu’s Arsenal wage and give him a role as chief executive across all clubs.Edu is set to leave as Arsenal as sporting directorCredit: Getty – ContributorEdu is considering coordinating the network of clubs controlled by Evangelos MarinakisCredit: GettyThat would see Edu running the likes of Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and Rio AveCredit: GettyEdu has been a transformational presence at the Emirates but is thought to be attracted by the increased power the role on offer would give.Marinakis has been pursuing Edu since the summer, with talks having reopened in recent weeks. The 46-year-old had been in Brazil last month due to personal reasons but returned to London last week.The former Gunners midfielder is manager Mikel Arteta’s strongest ally at the club, having stuck by him through a troubled start at times to take Arsenal back to the top.Arteta and Edu have worked together to transform the culture and playing squad in North London.Players learning the news of Edu’s departure on Monday morning were said to be shocked by the decision.The Brazilian, part of Arsenal’s Invincibles squad under Arsene Wenger, has developed a close relationship with a number of the current players.Arsenal must now decide whether to directly replace Edu or restructure their current leadership team, spearheaded on the footballing side by Richard Garlick and Tim Lewis.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPremier League title rivals Manchester City are making their own change upstairs this summer, with director of football Txiki Begiristain leaving at the end of the season.They have already moved to land sought after Hugo Viana from Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon.’Summer recruitment A lot of things happening’, says Arsenal transfer chief Edu live on TNT Sports as Gooners go wild Marinakis has enjoyed immense success in charge of Forest, who are currently third in the Prem table, and Olympiacos, who became the first ever Greek club to win a European trophy last season. More

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      Who is Edu’s wife Paula and how long has she been married to the Arsenal sporting director?

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      EDU Gaspar was part of the Gunners’ invincibles side that went unbeaten throughout the whole 2003-4 season.The legend, who returned to the club’s backroom staff in 2019 and has been influential in Arsenal’s resurgence as title contenders, is set to quit — here’s everything we know about his supportive wife Paula.Edu Gaspar with his wife PaulaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/edugaspar/?hl=enThe couple shares three children togetherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/edugaspar/?hl=enWhile the reasons behind Edu’s decision remain unclear, on November 4, 2024, the news broke that the highly-rated sporting director has decided to walk away from his role.Following a reshuffle of key positions, he has been in talks with the club’s hierarchy.Just two days earlier reports emerged that Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was hoping to bring Edu in as a sort-of CEO specialising in international football across all his endeavours. Edu, who won 15 caps for Brazil, is married to Paula Gaspar.read more on eduWhile the footballing man’s wife prefers to keep out of the public spotlight, here’s what we can piece together about her life and relationship with Edu from the information available.MarriageWhile the couple kept their wedding out of the news, we know that they tied the know on June 12, 1993.This is because two decades later Edu posted a social media tribute on their anniversary.He wrote on Instagram: “Today we are celebrating 20 years of marriage!!!”Most read in FootballChildrenEdu and Paula have three children together — a son named Luigi and a daughter named Maria, as well as a third child, whose details remain private.Luigi was under contract at Arsenal and spent three years in the Gunners’ youth system, playing for the U18s and U23s.Mikel Arteta debunks claims referees and VAR have conspiracy against Arsenal after flurry of controversial decisions But rather than waiting to see if he could break into the first team, he decided to move on and continue his career away from the club.With his contract expiring in 2022, he opted against signing a new deal under his dad’s guidance.Instead he made the short move to Watford, whose training ground borders Arsenal’s in London Colney. Edu said: “That’s it son! Your first stint in Europe you took on expertly.“Adaptation to the country, adaptation to a new game model, language, new teammates, new coaches and new ‘difficulties’.“Always grow! And you’ve grown a lot in these three years. Congratulations!!! Be proud of it all!Edu’s son Luigi Gaspar was on the books at Arsenal for three years before quittingCredit: Getty“Congratulations son!!! Now… fly!!! I love you !!! We will always be together at every step.”Their daughter Maria works as a fashion model, per her Instagram account.She is also somewhat of a fan, having been seen around Emirates Stadium during multiple Gunners matches.Paula is also often seen supporting her husband and children at various events and football matches.Social media presenceAs the wife of a prominent figure in football, Paula has occasionally been in the public eye, particularly through her social media.She has a private Instagram account with 10.4k followers as of November 2024, where she previously shared glimpses of their family life.Her bio on the platform reads: “Mother of 3, in love with my family.”Paula Gaspar sticking her middle finger up at an Arsenal supporter who criticised EduProtective naturePaula has been a supportive presence in Edu’s life throughout his career in football, both as a player and his later roles in management and administration.She has also shown her protective side when it comes to her family.In August 2021, she responded to an angry Arsenal supporter who confronted Edu about the club’s transfer activities.Tempers flared around the Emirates flared as the Gunners were outclassed by London rivals Chelsea, with the capacity crowd watching Mikel Arteta’s side limp to a 2-0 loss.One supporter decided to confront Edu by getting out of his seat and berating him from the steps — a confrontation that was later posted on X/Twitter.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Edu managed to remain composed throughout the abuse, Paula could not contain her frustration.After the fan had finished angrily making his point, Gaspar put her middle finger up at him as frustrations boiled over, demonstrating her willingness to stand up for her husband in the face of criticism. More

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      Fans savagely troll ‘imposters’ Arsenal after amazing stat about Premier League top six emerges

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      ARSENAL were trolled after a stunning stat emerged regarding the Premier League’s top six.Nottingham Forest are proving to be this season’s surprise package in the Prem as they climbed up to third place in the table after a flying start under Nuno Espirito Santo.Arsenal were trolled after a stunning stat emerged regarding the Premier League’s top sixCredit: ReutersThe Premier League’s top six all have something in common – except ArsenalForest have won five out of their first 10 league matches – losing only once along the way – and are only six points away from leaders Liverpool.The Tricky Trees are also just four points behind reigning champions Manchester City and second place.Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa complete the top six in fourth, fifth and sixth place respectively.That means the current top-six teams in the English top flight now count a total of 12 European Cups between them.Read More on FootballLiverpool won the prestigious honour six times, City finally lifted old Big Ears in 2023, Forest enjoyed a back-to-back triumph, Chelsea have done it twice and Villa conquered the European Cup in 1982 before it was rebranded as the Champions League in 1992.However, some fans decided to poke a bit of fun at Arsenal’s expense as they are the only ones to have never won Europe’s elite honour, even though they came close in 2006 when they made it to the final.One fan tweeted: “Look at those “s****y reds” sneaking in and disrupting the top six. Fans and media saying “they have no right to be there”.”Another commented: “Spot out the imposter.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “I know an imposter when I see one.”This fan said: “Remove Arsenal and it’s still the same.”Edu’s exit is a huge loss for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will feel very different without him, says SunSport’s Jack RosserAnd that one stated: “With Arsenal having zero in there.”Nevertheless, it is important to remember that although Arsenal never won the Champions League they did in fact win the Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994. More