A former Arsenal man has ruled himself out of the vacant sporting director gig at the Emirates Stadium.

One former Arsenal star has ruled himself out of the running to replace Edu Gaspar as sporting director amid plenty of rumours over who could take the role. Edu announced his resignation recently, and while he will remain an employee until the summer, he will not serve in an active role, spending the next six months on gardening leave.

“This was an incredibly hard decision to make,” Edu said in a statement. "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.”

On the back of that announcement, the likes of Per Mertesacker and Thomas Rosicky have been linked with the role, with suggestions the Gunners could continue their trend of hiring former players for the role. Rosicky is currently working in a similar capacity in his home country, while Mertesacker has been overseeing the academy at Arsenal.

In the meantime, former Gunner Gilberto Silva has been speaking about Edu’s decision, telling Sky Sports: “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 on the vacant position

Silva says he is not interested in taking the position from Edu despite having experience in a similar role. “I still do some work with the club as an ambassador,” he added.

“This is not something I was [thinking about doing] in the next few years, despite the fact that I have done it for Panathinaikos 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.”