Wenger will let Edu leave
May 8, 2005
Arsène Wenger will respect Edu’s decision if he does opt to leave Arsenal at the end of the season.
The Brazilian midfielder will be out of contract in the summer and nearly joined Spanish side Valencia during the transfer window in January.
Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Wenger did not appear to have entirely given up hope that the player would stay. But he said: “Let’s just say that we tried to keep him with money we could afford to pay and it didn’t work.
Edu was unknown in Europe before he joined Arsenal in January 2001 from Corinthians but he has matured into an outstanding international midfielder.
“You don’t have to convince me that he’s a great player,” said Wenger. “I travelled to Brazil myself to watch someone else play but I saw Edu and I took him instead. Then I waited for him a long time.
“I’m not angry with Edu. I can understand that he has to look at his own opportunities and what he can get somewhere else. You have to respect that.â€