Arsenal's influential director Edu has reiterated a message sent by both Mikel Arteta and the board after a remarkable season on the field. Having missed out on the top four due to an end-of-season collapse last year, the Gunners have turned things round with their best finish since 2016.
A surprise Premier League title challenge scared Manchester City throughout and a true transformation of the squad, attitudes and structure all make for an exciting future. In Arteta they have one of the most highly-rated young coaches in the game and the squad is full of promising talent, too.
Arteta and the squad deserve the immense credit being gained for such a quick turnaround from the disappointment of last year but Edu himself has had a major role to play. He has been part of an internal shake-up with more focus on recruitment while Josh Kroenke has elevated his position within the club, too.
READ MORE: West Ham give Declan Rice final 3-word transfer ultimatum as Mikel Arteta denies Arsenal decision
Edu, who helped to deliver the standout transfers of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus last summer as well as getting Jorginho and Leandro Trossard across the line in January, has had a huge effect, also. His lead in the youth drive for Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale, Martin Odegaard and Takehiro Tomiyasu in 2021 has paid off whilst there is similar excitement heading into this summer as well.
Taking to Instagram to show his pleasure with the season and all the success it has brought, he wrote: "To all our supporters around the world: Thank you for everything you've done this season!!! Your support and connection with the club was outstanding! [heart emoji, football emoji]."
Arteta used the same emotions to describe a true U-turn from the hostile Emirates Stadium atmosphere that had plagued his first year in charge. "It was one of my big dreams to connect again with the soul of this football club – that’s our people," he said after the 5-0 win over Wolves.
"We have done that and there’s no discussion about it. That makes me really proud and grateful to be part of that journey together. We want to deliver together success, and the destination has to be trophies and success for this club. But we have to enjoy the journey together and especially the company.
"I said it especially there because we have special people in this club, an incredible group of players and an amazing support. That has to be enjoyed because at the end it’s about winning or not winning the margin, but you cannot underestimate those other things. I think if we don’t do it then we will regret it."
The same thoughts were echoed by vice-chair, Tim Lewis, who wrote in a statement: "It's been a brilliant season with many important moments and memories made in an extraordinary Emirates atmosphere the like of which we have never experienced here.
"60,000 supporters have sung a new anthem and generated an energy which connects with our players and drives them on. Something special has been restored and shared by Gooners here and across the world.
"Sincere thanks go to everyone connected to the club - from our owners to all supporters - for the unstinting support you have given our teams and staff throughout the season."
READ NEXT:
West Ham give Declan Rice final 3-word transfer ultimatum as Mikel Arteta denies Arsenal decision
Stan Kroenke Arsenal transfer promise made for huge summer window as statement released
Gabriel Martinelli gives Arsenal subtle transfer instruction as 3-word Declan Rice message sent
What Gabriel Martinelli did to William Saliba in Arsenal gesture hinting at Bukayo Saka action
Transfer news LIVE: Harry Kane latest, Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool and Declan Rice updates
