Gilberto wants to stay on / not giving up on title

Midfielder Gilberto Silva has admitted that he intends on staying on at Arsenal, contradicting news reports that the World Cup winner was looking to join another club.

Gilberto was stripped of the captaincy this season and has also been preferred to Frenchman Mathieu Flamini as a first-choice partner to Francesc Fabregas.

But the Brazilian says that he is focused on finishing the season strongly and has admitted that he wants to stay on at the club.

Gilberto said: "I will sit down with the boss at the end of the season, but for the next few weeks, I will keep focused on doing my job, trying to help the team as much as I can whether it is on the pitch, or in training working with the players.

"We always speak very nicely, Arsène is open and we will talk.

"I don't know whether you can get assurances, but I want to talk about my prospects and whether I have a chance to play, if the manager thinks I can be a good player for the team or not.

"To be honest, I really want to stay and I've always expressed that.

"Of course I'm upset that I've not played much this season because last year I played the whole season and this year has been really frustrating.

"But you need to be professional, respect the manager's point of view and help the other players as much and to the maximum that I possibly can."

Incredibly, 'Bert' has also revealed that the team are still holding out for an improbably Premiership victory, crossing the final line at the last minute.

He added: "We must look forward because it's hard to accept that we can do nothing.

"I feel sad that we are going for second place because we wanted to be fighting for the title.

"However, as professionals, we have to go for three victories and see what happens at the end."

User Comments

AFCtrue

Posted on 22 Apr, 2008 at 02:09 PM - Reply

Yinka, don't forget Bergkamp, Seaman, Adams, Keown... who have all finished their careers at Arsenal under Arsene. If Gilberto stays he won't be the first. It would be great to have him for another season, and a good reward to an outstanding servant.

Nikhil

Posted on 22 Apr, 2008 at 12:33 PM - Reply

I feel Gilberto is a great player. Gallas is full of shit and after how many years' experience he still isn't that good as a leader. He does not act like a leader and treats the players badly. He keeps barking out orders whereas Gilberto is always friendly,calm and cheerful.

Terri

Posted on 22 Apr, 2008 at 11:06 AM - Reply

I agree with comment no.3. His loyalty is fantastic.
Too many players think they have one good season and are too good for Arsenal. They are too greedy for money. It is not about playing anymore it is all about who can earn the most. That is not what the sport is all about. You play for the love of the club and should be honoured to do so.
Come on Flamini you say you want to stay at Arsenal, get on with it and sign. You will not go to any better club than Arsenal.

Yinka,Lagos,Nigeria.

Posted on 21 Apr, 2008 at 07:26 PM - Reply

I would be extremely happy to see Gilberto stay on at Arsenal.Am not too happy that he wasnt given a chance to prove his worth for the club this season after what he did with the team in the absence of Thierry Henry.I honestly wish Arsene Wenger would give him the chance he truly deserves.
having a big and competitive squad is what we deserve at Arsenal though the young lads also deserve to be a part.
See what alex is doing at Man Utd.am not saying we should copy their style but we should have a bigger and stronger squad so we can compete competitively in all competitions we would be involved in.
Go ahead Wenger and let Gilberto remain at Arsenal and allow him to be the first over-aged player that will end his career under your stewardship.

Andy

Posted on 21 Apr, 2008 at 05:24 PM - Reply

Despite few starts Gilberto is a great player, if he stays I hope he gets more first team action next season

supermum

Posted on 21 Apr, 2008 at 04:13 PM - Reply

what a fine man gilberto is. i do hope he stays with us for the rest of his career. he is such an example to the younger players.

Scott

Posted on 21 Apr, 2008 at 04:03 PM - Reply

Gilberto is a model professional and a class act. I wish all the other players had his attitude and dedication.

Nikhil

Posted on 21 Apr, 2008 at 12:33 PM - Reply

Chelsea will be playing a match of pride, strength and honour coz 100 matches unbeaten at SB is quite a big thing and I don't want it to be broken.

Nikhil

Posted on 21 Apr, 2008 at 12:31 PM - Reply

What if Man Utd. lose to Chelsea and lose to West Ham once again. We can win it only if Man Utd. doesn't win any match and I very much doubt Chelsea will drop points.

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