Bitter Sweet as its Adieu Edu

It is now certain that he will leave Arsenal with his likely destination being Europe. He confirmed that when he stated in a recent interview "In the beginning I said I was not sure if I want to stay or not. Then my feelings started to tell me it was a good time to leave. Also I heard about other clubs and what they want to do with me. I started to realize that it was maybe a good time to leave"

For Arsene Wenger, Arsenal Football Club and the fans have been very supportive of Edu right from the long wait for him to sort out his passport problems, to the own goals, we had endured while patiently waiting for him to mature into a midfield general and playmaker. Even though at times during this long wait, fans may have doubted his abilities, Wenger was a firm believer in his potential (is he ever wrong about a talent?). Edu was virtually unknown in Europe before he joined Arsenal in January 2001 from Corinthians but he has matured into an outstanding international midfielder.

His potential fully blossomed in the absence of Viera due to injuries and his form was so outstanding that during our unbeaten run Gilberto had to play some games on the right side of midfield in the absence of Freddie due to injuries. Wenger’s strong belief in Edu eventually paid off as he earned his long awaited debut for the star studded Brazilian national team. This effort was capped with a Copa America winner’s medal.

Though Wenger says "he is not angry with Edu leaving as he can understand and respect that he has to look at his own opportunities and what he can get somewhere else", As a fan I am totally upset with the thought of Edu leaving just when he has discovered his full potential, and has become such a great player. All that support and encouragement down the drain.

Money I believe is not the real season for his leaving as he was willing to take a little less than Arsenal offered him to move to Valencia, during the January transfer window. Proof of this being his statement that "People think it is about money but Arsenal offered me a very good contract. It is not all about money. I just think that now is a good time to change my life and start another one."

So what is his real reason for leaving? Could it be the threat of the emergence of our young midfield talents: Wonder Fabregas and Flamini? Only Edu can really answer that.

If I can recall without being too picky, his behavior before the season began should have warned us fans that we were no longer his top priority. The Brazilian midfielder was granted an extended rest after his exertions in South America to recover from the rigors of the Copa America tournament yet he didn’t deem it fit to return to Highbury and straight from his holiday jetted off to play some friendly games for Brazil before eventually returning for the season to the displeasure of Wenger. As a footballer one would say he has gotten the stepping stone he needed to play for any big club in Europe as he has indeed become a much improved and an outstanding international midfielder.

Wenger still sentimentally did not appear to have entirely given up hope that he would stay, although it’s now a lost cause and I will not blame him for that as I too wished Edu would remain at Arsenal, but he has all but confirmed that he is leaving. Deciding to let him take the penalty was a good way of bidding him farewell and of coures we Gooners responded well by showing him what he will be missing. Edu was given the honour of taking a penalty in Arsenal’s 7-0 thrashing of Everton. He was touched by the tribute from his team-mates and with tears in his eyes thanked the fans for an emotional send-off. All 10 outfield players mobbed Edu when he scored and the crowd reserved a special song for him at the end as the team did their lap of honour.

Funny that he said that the first person to suggest he took the penalty was Ashley Cole, then Thierry, before Lauren just gave the ball to him, and then he took it. He emotionally expressed that the gesture showed how nice his (ex) team mates are to him and that It has been a pleasure to play with them. Well I hope Ashley is not planning to tow his line as I have all but had enough of want away players.

I don’t really know how other Gooners feel about Edu leaving, granted the fans gave him a warm farewell but it sure has left a sore and bitter taste in my mouth, but I will hold my peace until when and if ever Wenger decides to finds a suitable replacement. For we will be short of depth in midfield experience even though we now have outstanding youngsters such as Fabregas, and Flamini who are still maturing.