Edu (the former -Arsenal midfielder who could ping a pass and rock a questionable early-2000s haircut), has just landed at Nottingham Forest. But he’s not just hanging out at the City Ground for the vibes he’s got this shiny new gig, “global head of football.” Sounds fancy, right? Apparently, he’ll be running the show when it comes to everything football: scouting, sorting the squad, coaching, making sure the players don’t eat too many pies, you name it.
The guy’s got some credentials, no doubt. He bossed midfield for Arsenal back in the Invincibles days, then circled back there in 2019 as technical director. Fast forward, he’s sporting director by 2022, then blink and you miss it he bounces in 2024. Now, here he is, ready to sprinkle some of that Arsenal fairy dust on Forest.
Edu’s statement? Pretty classic. Said he’s “truly excited” and “honoured” which, look, I’m not doubting, but you always sorta expect that PR jazz. The interesting bit is him banging on about innovation and long-term planning. Forest fans, cross your fingers, yeah?
Here’s a fun twist: Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, isn’t just a one-club kind of guy. He’s got his paws on Olympiakos in Greece, Rio Ave in Portugal, and he’s been eyeing Vasco da Gama over in Brazil. So, Edu’s new “global” title isn’t just for show.
And hey, let’s not forget, Edu’s not just some suit. He played for Valencia, had a couple of stints at Corinthians, even helped run the Brazil national team’s show for a bit. Plus, at Arsenal, he had a big hand in bringing in Mikel Arteta who turned things around and nabbed the FA Cup in his debut season.
Sure, Arsenal haven’t exactly been drowning in trophies since then, but folks give Edu a lot of credit for getting them back in the title hunt. Now, Forest fans will be hoping he can work a little magic there too. Stranger things have happened.