Arsene Wenger has fond memories of playing Dinamo Zagreb - because that is how he discovered Eduardo.
The striker first came to the attention of the Arsenal manager when scoring the first-ever goal in a European game at Emirates Stadium against the Gunners during a 2006 Champions League qualifier.
Wenger signed Eduardo the following summer and he says his initial impression convinced him that the striker would succeed in London.
"I think Zagreb at the time were a very strong team and they are back now to the level where they were at the time"
“I saw him [at Emirates Stadium] and that’s where I saw that he had something special,” the boss told Arsenal Player. “With his history as well, he was a young Brazilian boy who adapted in a completely different country.
“I thought the adaptation would be easy for him to come to London. I was pleased to take him at the time. I think he was about £9 million or £10 million, which today doesn’t look a lot for a good striker of his quality.
“Zagreb had two players in their squad at that time - one was called Modric and the other Eduardo. The two have had great careers.
“The regret we had for Eduardo is of course the bad injury he got, but he was a great player. We have fond memories of him and he is still loves our club.
“Many times when I’ve seen him, he’s always spoken highly of our club. I think Zagreb at the time were a very strong team and they are back now to the level where they were at the time.”
Eduardo scores against Arsenal
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