Arsenal-Mania

Gilberto moves to Panathinaikos

By Jonathan Chong on Friday, July 18, 2008

Midfielder Gilberto Silva has signed for Greek-side Panathinaikos, bringing an end to a six-year career at Arsenal.

The Brazilian World Cup winner helped the Gunners to an unbeaten season in 2003/04, winning the Premier League and the FA Cup [in 2005].

Gilberto said: "I'm hungry to win more titles.

"I came to Greece because I have big ambitions, it's very important for me to be able to continue to give my best. I couldn't say no to the offer.

"I'm exited about being a Panathinaikos player."

His move to Panathinaikos has made him the highest-paid player in Greece, despite the relatively low-key transfer fee of Ł1 million.

It is a testament to Gilberto's professionalism that his tribute on the official website stated the following:

The Brazilian never courted controversy and never spoke out of turn. He arrived quietly, he left quietly and, in between, he was quietly efficient.
While emptier vessels made more noise, Gilberto just got the job done.

Arsenal-Mania wishes our Untouchable all the best with his new club.

User Comments

30

Mohamed

Posted on 22 Jul, 2008 at 01:13 AM - Reply

Very genuine humble honest level-headed guy.. An absolute hero to mankind. I am not exaggerating with this tribute message at all, considering the fact that Juve and Inter tried so hard to lure him away during his peak scoring days (fastest champions league goal at one point). Integrity does excise in football and only with GILBERTO (leader, Motivator, Translator. Est.) All the best mate and hope to see as a future Arsenal manager.

29

Gilberto

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 03:29 PM - Reply

Thank you all for nice comment bout me on here. It mean lot to me and will have place in heart for arsenal for long time

28

FABEN

Posted on 21 Jul, 2008 at 03:33 AM - Reply

GREAT PLAYER ,HONEST, LOYAL AND EFFICIENT. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION ON AND OFF THE PITCH

27

loverschoice

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 05:56 PM - Reply

why you done that? i m soo upset. i m gonna miss you gilly.. you was like an angel for us.
thanks for entertaining us.

(but wat i m gonna do wid my new gilberto jersey of arsenal..lol it got wasted)

26

GunnaGetYa!!!

Posted on 20 Jul, 2008 at 01:18 PM - Reply

Great player, great man! will be missed but i feel we have replacements already without spending money on someone we might not need. don't feel that we need an out and out DM with our style of play. i mean Flam wasn't an out n out DM, he loved to go forward, and he wqasn't a big man either. we just need someone with self control who knowws to stay back when cesc is going forward. i would love to see Denilson come in... Anyways, Good luck Gilberto and thanks for everything you ever did in an Arsenal shirt

25

olawale kol;awole

Posted on 19 Jul, 2008 at 11:39 AM - Reply

i just want to wish the silent midfielder best of luck in his career and urge wenger to please provide a replacement such as, Ameuri Biscorff and garry barry coz we really needs to consider the career of the players by winning trophies to as to add something to their carrier.

24

timroy hinds

Posted on 19 Jul, 2008 at 07:40 AM - Reply

from observation i think wenger is both a good coach and a diplomatic sales man.Just remember is credentials are,an Ecomomist and a psychologist.

23

kuzco-haj

Posted on 19 Jul, 2008 at 06:05 AM - Reply

gilberto~there it goes again the departure of an invincible team player.all the best on your career at panathinaikos.

22

john quinn

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 08:38 PM - Reply

Really sad today , as it sinks in that he is gone..and the fans never really got a chance to say goodbye properly..maybe one day he can come back to see us and we the fans can give him the applause he so richly deserves. Gilberto worked with great humility style and grace, he also brought the standards of behaviour and manners to a new level at our club , yes we have lost a very fine player ,but we have also lost a man with unique human qualities... we will not see the likes of him again...Gilberto as you will see from all the fans who have left messages on this website we all love you and ithink without exception we all wish you and your family every success in Greece .. maybe we will see you back at the ARSENAL for Pana in the champions league...... with every good wish for your future..your faithfully John Quinn

21

Vikrant

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 08:22 PM - Reply

Best of luck, Gilberto and thanks for being a true Gunner. Only if more footballers were so professional...

20

Raza

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 06:40 PM - Reply

He was a true GUNNER! A player who went unnoticed for a long time by most of the people including media. He was excellent, did his job without any grudge. Good luck to him. GILBERTO! We salute you and will never forget you. All the best! You're one of the best players without out a doubt.

19

tom

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 05:29 PM - Reply

we love you gilberto.Your service has been truly appreciated and im sad to c u go.Al, the best.What a true Gooooooner!!

18

sulazu

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 03:58 PM - Reply

A true professional and gentleman who served Arsenal
meritoriously. I wish you the best at Panathanaikos.
His depature will really left us with a midfield dearth of experience. Hence, a clarion call on Wenger to shore up the middle with an experienced defencive midfielder to fill the vacuum created by his depature.

17

jj

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 03:10 PM - Reply

Gilberto is a great person,at least he paid all the price he could for gunners. He did not 'fly for money' like flammini. Good luck

16

Wahido Gilberto

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 02:29 PM - Reply

Big thank you Gilberto. All the best. Dont look back!

15

dumex

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 02:22 PM - Reply

i will ever remember u for ur contribution!!! i love u gilbert

14

BB Gooner

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 02:21 PM - Reply

A real professional. Good luck Berto

13

Sebastian, FIN

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 12:35 PM - Reply

Thank you Gilberto for everything you've done. You will always be an Arsenal Legend in my eyes. I wish you the best of luck!

12

Amit

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 12:14 PM - Reply

That's what you call a true gunner and that's what legends are made of!!

11

ichecool

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 12:09 PM - Reply

thanks Gilberto & keep up the good work. Best wishes with no bounds!!!!!!!!

10

oki1kanobe

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 10:35 AM - Reply

bye bye gilberto hope you do what you did for arsenal at pana

im very pleased bout this decision, wenger keeps banging on about stability and yet every summer key player are allowed to leave!!

9

ash

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 09:55 AM - Reply

good luck

8

Henry Zou from China

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 09:47 AM - Reply

bless you & good luck for you and Arsenal all

7

Warmkop

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 09:43 AM - Reply

Best of LUCK! Hope you get to meet us in the C.L.
All the BEST...
P.S Make that money!

6

blix

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 09:33 AM - Reply

If only all players nowadays displayed the professionalism of this guy. A great player and a great man. Good luck!

5

Mat S

Posted on 18 Jul, 2008 at 09:25 AM - Reply

A fantastic servant to the club, got his head down, did the business and never criticised the club and its staff. A great professional and a credit to his country. He will be missed.

Now to the question of who the hell is going to play central midfield next season!