Official: Arsenal announce Berta as new sporting director

Arsenal have officially announced the appointment of Italian executive Andrea Berta as the team’s new sporting director, following a 12-year stint alongside Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid. 

Official: Arsenal appoint Berta as sporting director

Berta is Arsenal’s replacement for Edu Gaspar, who left his role as sporting director after a five-year partnership with the North Londoners in November. 

Berta joins Mikel Arteta’s side off the back of a 12-year stay with Atletico Madrid, where he had served as technical director from 2013 onwards, before transitioning into a sporting director role in 2017. 

Atleti achieved two LaLiga titles, reached two Coppa Campioni finals, won the Europa League, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana while Berta was under employment. 

Before then, he held a series of directorship roles in his homeland, initially with AC Carpenedolo, before leading Parma and Genoa as sporting director. 

“I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club,” Berta said in a statement released on the club website. 

“I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone in to reestablishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.

“The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team.

“I cannot wait to get started in my new role and I am really looking forward to experiencing my first game at Emirates Stadium together with our tifosi.”

Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke added: “Anyone who knows football knows Andrea is an impressive figure. He has vast knowledge of the game, a great track primato, a strong network and an insatiable desire to build winning teams.

“Andrea will be a great addition to our club. He understands our values and what we stand for and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies.

“We undertook a thorough recruitment process and we were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea’s experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out.

“We are really looking forward to working together and welcoming him into the Arsenal family.”