My dad is an Arsenal Invincible and I played under him before rejecting a contract and joining neighbours instead | The Sun

LUIGI GASPAR looked set to follow in his father’s footsteps – before quitting Arsenal to join their neighbours instead.

The Brazilian youngster had already emulated his old man by switching from Corinthians to the Gunners.

But rather than wait to see if he could break into the first team, he opted to move on and continue his career away from the club.

However, his dad remains totally committed to both Arsenal and his son’s football.

Edu Gaspar, 45, returned to Arsenal in 2019 to become their first technical director.

He has now been promoted to sporting director, enjoying a close relationship with manager Mikel Arteta at the Emirates as he oversees the club’s football operations from appointments to transfers. 

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And Edu is desperate to see the same success in his new role as he did as a player in North London.

The midfielder joined the Gunners for £6million in 2001 – a year after the initial transfer was delayed by a fake Portuguese passport.

He had a difficult start to life at Highbury, though, with his sister tragically dying a week before arriving in England then suffering an injury 15 minutes into his debut and scoring an own goal early on, too.

But he would find his feet soon enough, becoming the first Brazilian to win the Premier League in his debut season – and adding the FA Cup for a memorable double. 

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Edu’s best season for Arsenal was 2003-04, as the Invincibles went the whole league campaign unbeaten.

The star scored two goals – both against Chelsea – and was part of the team that clinched the title at White Hart Lane.

Various injury struggles and transfer speculation impacted his final season at the club in 2004-05, which culminated in his last appearance coming in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester United before joining Valencia on a free transfer.

Edu finished his club career back at Corinthians and made 15 senior caps for Brazil, despite once considering making himself available for England after attaining a passport and due to the strength of the Brazil squad at the time.

However, his 15 caps yielded two trophies, the 2004 Copa America – in which he scored in the final shootout against Argentina – and the Confederations Cup a year later.

Further injuries saw him hang up his boots in 2010 with just 233 career appearances, immediately moving upstairs at Corinthians as director of football.

He assisted Iran manager Carlos Queiroz at the 2014 World Cup then had three years as Brazil’s general co-ordinator before his return to Arsenal in 2019.

That switch also prompted his son Luigi – born in London in March 2004 – to head back to Britain as well. 

Gaspar Jr, 19, developed as a midfielder from the Under-7s at Corinthians and spent three years in the Gunners’ youth system, playing for the U18s and U23s.

But with his contract expiring in 2022, he opted against penning a new deal under his dad’s guidance.

And instead he decided to make the very short move next door – to Watford’s training ground which borders Arsenal’s in London Colney. 

Edu said: "That's it son! Your first stint in Europe you took on expertly.

“Adaptation to the country, adaptation to a new game model, language, new teammates, new coaches and new ‘difficulties’.

“Always grow! And you've grown a lot in these three years. Congratulations!!! Be proud of it all!

“Congratulations son!!! Now… fly!!! I love you !!! We will always be together at every step.”

Like his father, Luigi has struggled with injuries already and already been under the knife for surgery.

But he extended his professional deal at Watford in the summer and will be hoping his performances in holding midfield can earn him a break into the first team – constantly inspired by his dad Edu.

Gaspar told Watford’s media: “I like to understand the game. In my position, I won’t score loads of goals, but it’s really important to help my teammates. 

“It’s about getting the ball and playing it to my team-mates who are in scoring positions. I look at players like Thomas Partey, Casemiro and Sergio Busquets, who are all very similar to my playing style.

“I would say my idol is my dad, Edu, of course, but then I also look up to Neymar, Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho because I’m Brazilian. 

“They were so quick on the ball and in that Brazilian style, it’s amazing to watch. They scored some amazing goals and made me really enjoy the game.

“My dad was a footballer growing up and so I grew up with the ball at my feet. I grew up watching and enjoying football because my life revolved around the sport through my dad. Everyone was from around the football world.”

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