He worked in complete alignment with the club's values and culture. Recruitment was always about finding players who understood the club's DNA' Gilberto Silva on his former Arsenal team-mate Edu

"Edu isn't just a friend to me he's like a brother, Gilberto tells FourFourTwo of his compatriot, who had returned to Arsenal in July 2019, initially as technical director. Gilberto's pride at seeing his friend transition from midfield metronome to the Emirates boardroom is clear, not least because of the size of that particular challenge at a club of Arsenal's stature."

"When Edu returned to Arsenal in 2019, the club was still in a post-Wenger funk, searching for its identity. He arrived at a time when results were poor, pressure was immense and supporters were demanding answers, Gilberto adds. The team clearly needed rebuilding and that often brings friction, particularly when results don't follow. But as the years passed and the club edged closer to a Premier League title challenge, the adjustments became far more targeted and far less drastic than at the start."

Gilberto Silva played alongside Edu for Arsenal and Brazil in 66 matches between 2002 and 2005. Gilberto and Edu formed a close, brotherly bond during their playing partnership. Edu returned to Arsenal in July 2019 as technical director amid a post-Wenger period of poor results and identity searching. Edu focused recruitment on players who understood the club's values, culture and DNA. Early rebuilding created friction when results did not follow. Over subsequent years recruitment and adjustments became more targeted and less drastic, contributing to Arsenal's upward trajectory and a Premier League title challenge.

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