Post by ogsdog on Jul 26, 2010 12:56:15 GMT -1
Croatian striker Eduardo has joined Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk on a four-year deal from Arsenal.
The fee for the 27-year-old Brazilian-born player is reportedly about £6m.
Eduardo joined Arsenal from Dinamo Zagreb in July 2007 but struggled to regain his best form after a year out with a broken leg and dislocated ankle.
Despite that, he signed a new contract at the club in November, but Wenger has decided to cash in as he rebuilds his squad ahead of the new season.
"Eduardo's recovery from his injury sustained at Birmingham City in February 2008 is a testament to his strength as a human being, and this character and determination will be missed by everyone at Arsenal," said a statement on the club's website.
"Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Eduardo for his contribution towards the club and wish him the best of luck for the future."
Eduardo expressed his sadness at leaving his "home".
"The past few days have been very emotional for me," said the Croatian.
"Although I am excited about the challenge ahead with my new club Shakhtar Donetsk, I am so sad to be leaving my home for the past three years - Arsenal Football Club.
"Arsenal is a very special football club and I will miss so many people - my team-mates, all the staff and, of course, the wonderful Arsenal supporters."
Shakhtar's Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu said: "We wanted to buy Eduardo before he moved to Arsenal.
"Not everything went his way last season, but he is still a player of very high quality, a real marksman.
"Yes, he had a serious injury, we are aware of the risk, but at the same time we realise he can give a lot to Shakhtar. We expect a lot from Eduardo."
And a statement on the official Shakhtar Donetsk website said: "FC Shakhtar have signed Eduardo da Silva from Arsenal. All the details were agreed at Donbas Arena in Donetsk."
Eduardo's horror injury was sustained in a challenge with Birmingham defender Martin Taylor in February 2008, but he marked his return almost exactly a year later with a brace in a 4-0 FA Cup win over Cardiff.
He went on to play three more games that season, and 32 in 2009-10 as Arsenal finished third in the Premier League.
He ends his spell at the Emirates with a record of 20 goals in 67 appearances for the Gunners.
