Official: Edu to leave Arsenal
May 10, 2005
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2005211673,00.html
EDU has confirmed he will quit Arsenal after the FA Cup Final.
The Brazilian midfielder is is out of contract this summer but Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had hoped he would sign a new deal.
Edu, 26, saw a move to Spanish side Valencia collapse in January and endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines after breaking his toe.
He said: “I’ve decided to go after the FA Cup Final but I haven’t decided which club I’m going to join.
“A lot of clubs have asked about me and since January my agent has spoken to Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Juventus.
“To be honest I don’t know what will be the best thing for me to do.
“Real Madrid wanted to talk to me but then they signed Thomas Gravesen from Everton.
“I don’t want to go to a club and just be part of the squad, that’s not my plan.”
Edu won his first cap for Brazil after joining Arsenal from Corinthians in January 2001.
He has fallen down Wenger’s pecking order this season with fellow Brazilian Gilberto and youngsters Cesc Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini providing support for skipper Patrick Vieira.