By Fab4.
Eduardo is on the verge of leaving Arsenal after Croatia manager Slavan Bilic confirmed the striker had decided to make the move to Ukraine. It is believed a £6m fee has been agreed with Shakhtar Donetsk and Eduardo has already agreed personal terms and completed a medical on Monday under the supervision of Shakhtar medical officer Francisco Biosca.
Arsene Wenger was initially believed to be against letting Eduardo leave but after speaking to Slaven Bilic, Croatia and Shakhtar captain Darijio Srna and ex-team mate Ognjen Vukojevic, the 27-year-old striker has decided a move away from the Emirates is best for all concerned.
Bilic confirmed that he had spoken with Eduardo and was confident he would do well with Donetsk.
I spoke with Eduardo. He was very pleased with the move to Shakhtar. He is going to a strong league. This season they will once again play in the Champions League, have many difficult matches and this is excellent for the national team.’The captain of Shakhtar is Darijo Srna, in the team there are a lot of Brazilians – I have no doubt that Eduardo will quickly adapt to Donetsk.’
Eduardo took advice from his friend and international team mate Srna who believes the striker will “bring many benefits’ to the Shakhtar team.
‘Eduardo is one of the best strikers in the world and, if there is an agreement, he will bring us many benefits.’
Dudu also spoke with Ognjen Vukojevic who he played alongside at Dinamo Zagreb and will now line-up against as the midfielder now plays for Dynamo Kiev. Vukojevic confirmed the discussions and believes the chance for Eduardo to play regular first team football will help him regain his past form.
‘He called me to ask what it’s like to live in Ukraine,’ said Vukojevic. ‘I replied: “Do not worry, you made the right choice”.
‘Now we will become great rivals. It is definitely a good move. At Shakhtar he will become the first-choice striker, get plenty of game time and return to his best condition.’
It’s a real shame that Eduardo has been forced to leave Arsenal. A lack of first team opportunities may have had something to do with his decision, but he has never been the same player since that horrific leg break at Birmingham. Perhaps a change of scenery is best for him to move on and forget that fateful day. I wish him all the best and hope to see him banging in the goals for Shakhtar next season, unless we meet them in the Champions League of course!
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