Arsenal-Mania

Wenger explains Silvestre signing

By Jonathan Chong on Thursday, August 21, 2008

Not many people could have predicted the signing of former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre for the Gunners.

When news broke yesterday that manager Arsčne Wenger was looking to bring the Frenchman from his bitter rivals to North London, Gooners worldwide were left dazed and confused as to why that signing was needed.

Wenger told the official site yesterday: "We have a strong squad but a young squad.

"Mikael's versatility, experience and calibre will provide the extra depth we need to reinforce our challenge for honours this season.

"His defensive adaptability will serve us well, and it's a big plus that Mikael has top-level experience and a great understanding of football in the Premier League."

Silvestre himself, speaking at his first interview since signing a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee, said: "I've spent a large part of my career at United and I'll remember that time fondly but feel I'm ready for a new challenge.

"Arsenal are known for playing technical and skilful football, and have a young but experienced squad.

"I'm really excited about this next stage of my career, hopefully playing my part in helping the club to new successes."

User Comments

61

stev

Posted on 22 Aug, 2008 at 12:52 PM - Reply

we can say what we want (Arsene is knowing what he's doing, etc) but one thing is clear. with clichy, sangna, eboue and so on, Silvestre is simply NOT the kind of player we need for this season..

60

okeh kingsley ( kayci-gunner)

Posted on 22 Aug, 2008 at 09:38 AM - Reply

Man u fans have already started mocking us...if there is already a blunder in the transfer market, then the tactics and play will also be blundered... The Prof has turned student, how can he do this to me... last yr i was heart broken when we lost everything due to lack of players....this year he is buying OWN-GOAL SPECIALIST

59

wc

Posted on 22 Aug, 2008 at 06:01 AM - Reply

i can understand this signing.. if only for abit... we needed an experienced backup at leftback as clichy needs to be rested at some parts of the season.. there arent any other left backs out there who are experienced and are willing to sit on the bench for most of the season..

58

walcott

Posted on 22 Aug, 2008 at 04:39 AM - Reply

speechless

57

gunsblazing

Posted on 22 Aug, 2008 at 01:07 AM - Reply

Did Wenger not buy Gallas and Sagna in defence recently.

Silvestre will not be Arsenal smooth and silky football, but he will add some age and experience and bring the youth up to speed. ALso he makes for a better sub left back should clichy get injuryed.

Additionally he will have inside info on the Man U squad such as their strengths and weaknesses. That would help in some games.

56

www.myspace.com/dezilartist

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 10:46 PM - Reply

look aw this is what we should do this season

ALMUNIA

SAGNA TOURE GALLAS CLICHY

VELA FABREGAS (------) NASRI

ADEBAYOR VAN PERSIE

in the missing spot we can buy: yaya toure/xabi alonso/kompany

55

www.myspace.com/dezilartist

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 10:40 PM - Reply

look aw okay i can agree wiv u buying silvestre 2 bring more experience thats okay
but plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz i beg u do not let VINCENT KOMPANY go manchester city i repeat plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz do not let VINCENT KOMPANY go to manchester city

54

daniel

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 10:33 PM - Reply

some people might say wenger is mad u shuld trust his he is da best manager weve evr had although silvestre is frm manchester hes got a lot of experience and me need experience players.

gunners champions dis year

53

Lamin Saine

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 07:24 PM - Reply

It's such a ridiculouse story to hear that Arsenal have signed Mr Sylvestre the man who is known for giving loads of back passes to his goal keeper and also master of own goals even hand balls. I just cant understand it, since this news break out in The Gambia where i reside Man U fans have been saying that arsenal is a dumping site now for Manchester United which makes me feel bad, i totally disagreed with that signing. I hope he finds a midfield player cos thats what we need most.

52

Yazan24

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 07:15 PM - Reply

Am I the only one who thinks this is a good signing, we got him for very cheap, and who would you rather have partnering Gallas when Toure isn't there, Silvestre or Senderos,

Also with injuries being a huge deal last season, Silvestre will prove vital as he can play in various positions.

All in all, I think this is a great signing. But I hope he isn't the experienced player we were promised.

51

James

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 07:08 PM - Reply

The best comment I have read so far is comment 13. Are we so poor that we buy Manchester United's aging SECOND TEAM TRASH? Is he the only defender in the world? Would AW have bought Mikael if he were not French? DON'T WE HAVE ANY PRIDE AT ALL? Will Man U. or Chelsea ever try to buy Senderos from us? NEVER!!! How much has AW spent this transfer season? Couldn't he have paid more for Flamini to stay? He is so cheap! I don't think i will be able to show my face in any football discussion where Man U or Chelsea fans are. WHAT A SHAME. Gunner 4 Life!

50

amanivallihu

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 06:47 PM - Reply

wenger doesnt know what his doing we need an experienced defensive midfielder not some guy from man u

49

saket sinha

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 06:43 PM - Reply

guys he is at arsenal and thats it . we have to accept him because there is no ohter option for us...... let us give him a try....and see what happens.

48

James

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 06:35 PM - Reply

Are we so poor that we buy Manchester United's second team trash.

47

HECTOR (GHANA)

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 06:15 PM - Reply

EVERY GUNNER SHLD SUPPORT THE MANAGER IN EVERY HE DOES,HE KNOW WHAT THE SQUARD NEEDS AND HOW TO PROVIDE THEM SO LETS GIVE SYLVESTRE THE MAX SUPPORT,MAYBE IS WILL THE ONE TO SCORE THE WINNING GOALS THAT WILL HELP US WIN EVERY THING THIS SEASON.LONG LIVE WENGER AND ALL GUNNERS.HOPE TO SEE ALL THE TROPHIES AT THE EMIRATES AT THE END OF THIS SEASON

46

cutefamuchie

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 06:04 PM - Reply

Well...I think traore is going on loan to pompey and might just serve as a short time replacement with vast experience n helpin d others learn. Not bad signing afta all but def we need a DM and not toure can play that role

45

Lenga

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 05:33 PM - Reply

Just suppose Silvestre scores the goal that (incredibly ) wins us the Champions league! Would u guys commit suicide? Just shut up guys and let Wenger do his work. Personally I rate Silvestre over Senderos ( no offence intended to Senderos)

44

jamez-gunner

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 05:06 PM - Reply

i just glad that AW has signed someone that we have heard of

43

sebastian

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 05:01 PM - Reply

man hes a seriously good signing guys, people are always saying we need a defender who has played in the epl and has years of experiance and knows of the physicality of the game in england silv does...besides what would the summer be if we didnt buy a layer from a rival... ol chelse two seasons in a row now its uniteds turn

42

Thomas W

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 04:32 PM - Reply

I think a lot of commenters should relax and let the season unfold. Wenger knows what he`s doing , we came 4 points short last year and were contenders in the Champions League. This year could be ours.

Stay positive!

41

Speedy Gonzalez

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 04:17 PM - Reply

I think AW is way out of his mind! no offense to Mikael but the X-devil will taint Arsenal's good flowing football.

40

Karky

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 04:15 PM - Reply

i m truly amazed....i always teased my united frens tht silvestre always plays for the opposite team n is famous for bloopers + own goals.....n earlier wenger had said tht our defensive department is quite strong so he cud have signed neone else (leighton baines, everton).....finally, we already have to left-backs in gael clichy n armand traore.....this is an absolutely ridiculous decision!!!

39

JUAN LUIS SANCHEZ (PERU)

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 04:07 PM - Reply

we are singing player that they are going to teams of second level .
with this things i reafirm that i said in my last comments here . this will be a very dificult year for the our team . wenger go out .
we are not going to win nothing
good bye champions
good bye carling
good bye premier
good bye fa cup
please do something you are in england .
ican see very but very hard times for our team with a lot of goals i dont want to think wath is going to happen when robhino is in chelsea or ronaldo and berbatov era playing for manchester and etc etc
thanks

38

GoGOOOner

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 03:45 PM - Reply

This must be some sort of joke, a bad one. Why wenger refuse to spend in the defensive area after so many years, cant remember when was the last time he spends in that area. And now that's our weakest area.......

37

syd

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 03:40 PM - Reply

Words have just run out of my fingers and i do not know what to write or best describe this signing.I ve always been critical of sylvestre when he was a man utd player but to imagine him at arsenal......whooo.

Am amazed but we goooner give him a chance

36

Ankit Bohra

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 03:10 PM - Reply

I completely with guy who wrote Comment No 13, Wenger has lost it alas it seems, he has made a blunder of his life.. that shit head dint evn thnk that Silvestre is ManU shite, he will surely score but not for but against Gunners.. love Gunners but hate Manu assholess.....

35

pakigooner

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 03:03 PM - Reply

i am just wondering if this is our last signing(hope not!!!!!)silvestre is fine to some extent which is to only cover for toure or ny other player

34

rent

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 02:41 PM - Reply

trust the manager. he knows what he's doing. we all have our own favourites we'd love to see at the emirates, but this ain't football manager. wenger has never let us down. stop being hypocrits and stand behind your team.

33

Mos

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 01:48 PM - Reply

I dont think Silvestre is a bad player but the fact is that hs hardly played any games in the last 2 years and his 31 but weve offered him a 2 year contract, why couldnt we offer that to Gilberto who has been so loyal and a great player for Arsenal!! I think with everybody fit we are as strong as any team in europe but we definately need a top quality centre back next to Gallas, someone like Agger or Skertel or Naldo from werder bremen!! Liverpool paid around 8 million for skertel so i dont understand why Mr Wenger dosnt go out and but a quality centre back!!!

32

tungamirai bizah

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 01:47 PM - Reply

aaah come on guys,lets give him a chance to prive himself.the fact that he was at old trafford for 9 years shows that he is valuable to some extent,i remember one great coach saying defenders are unlike other players,they get better with experience ad there is no substitute for that.after all its one of the best managers in modern football who bought him so leta wait and see.....gunners for life

31

elninio

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 01:18 PM - Reply

Gallas from Chelski and now Silvestre from Manure... it may work out well. Our french contingent probably know Silvestre quite well but if Manure are offloading him for Ł750k its all a bit suspect. Either Wenger has waved his wand of genius once again or he has completely lost his marbles!! The proof and pudding scenario... I hope this isn't the last player we bring in because that would be shite. As for Kolo in DM role??? Why break up a fine, tried and tested defense?

30

Ramsay

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 01:07 PM - Reply

I think he can help guys like Senderos and Djourou, He will be a lot more approachable than Gallas for advice and he maybe can help Gallas as he has won more at club level that Gallas. I do think we could be seeing Toure in midfield now rather than a new player coming in

29

Chimango in Leicester

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 12:35 PM - Reply

I have been throwing up since I had this last night. This guy is 31 years old. He is prone to blunders (by the way if Wenger is going to pair Silvestre and Senderos in a game, there will be comedy on the field and we will get a whipping. The thing about this comedy is that we will not be laughing - the other team and their fans will be laughing there heads off). I hope that this is not the signing Wenger was talking about. If he wanted to sign ManUtd players he could have persuaded Roy Keane to come out of retirement - at least that could have taken care of Flamini's vacant position; he could have brought in David Beckham from the cold - at least that could have taken care of Hleb's vacated position. But this is ridiculous to say the least. And to think that we let go of Gilberto who can play both at Centre back and defensive midfielder and younger too. We sign this oaf who is too old and blunders all over the pitch. I think this belies what Wenger has been saying that he has money to buy. I think he does not have money to buy players. I think that the apocalypse is upon us. But I will be a goog and faithful gooner to the very end. In fact, after all this comedy is finished and everyone has left the theatre, I will be the one to turn off the lights. (by the way your captchas are as ridiculous as this signing).

28

KayBee

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 12:04 PM - Reply

Just heard about this outrage today! Silvestre at Arsenal!! I thot it was a joke but i guess i'm still in this nightmare. GOD!! What was Wenger thinking? Maybe he doesn't have faith in Senderos anymore, why not just sell the poor cow rather than give him hope then cut down his worth?
As for Toure as a DM, hmmm, dat is a possibility that should be looked into.

As for Silvestre again, we dont need him, we've got tremendous faith in Djorou but i guess Wnger knows best!!!

Gunners for life!!!

27

Ian Reddall

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 11:58 AM - Reply

DIARRA was a pantomime player. Far to dramatic. Also look at his attitude. Left chelsea for first team football but wasn't prepaired to find his way into the team at arsenal so he moved again. I would rather we sign another defencive midfielder who is prepaired to work for his place.

26

gunners 4 ever

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 11:39 AM - Reply

are depressed or something
stop hating on silvester
hes good and finally hes TAKIN TOURE POSITION AS CENTRE BACK
and toure will be a defensive midfielder

25

Rahul

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 11:26 AM - Reply

No harm in signing Silvestre at the price we got him. Definitely strengthens the squad after the departures of Flamini, Hleb and Gilberto. But we still need that defensive midfielder.

I dont mind if we buy back Diarra from Portsmoth. Letting him go was a very bad mistake indeed. Much more evident now that Flamini also left.

24

pryce

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 11:17 AM - Reply

i just dnt know what 2 say,i wnt condm the lad nor the manager.it may just be a blessing 2 us.UP GUNNERS

23

wingard

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 11:16 AM - Reply

I'm a Man Utd fan and have been critical of Silvestre for many years...but to be honest he's not a bad player (just prone to errors) To give you Gooners an idea of what your getting. He's a bit like Wes Brown in that he can be great at times awful at others. Wes is a bit more uncompromising in the tackle and that's why he stays and Mikel goes. We have two Brazillian full backs and Johnny Evans coming through so we no longer need him as cover for Evra. He is good against players with pace (Fergie often played him as center half against Henry) physically he's deceptively strong but he gets caught with the ball a lot and tries a raking ball from left to right too often. His passing is better than Wes' but hardly slick. Solid player but annoying at times.

22

CornishGooner

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 11:16 AM - Reply

I must admit I was shocked at first, but the more I think about it the more I like it. Mr Wenger is no fool and think about what he has done for our glorious club. I have no doubt Silvestre will be a useful addition to our squad. We could do with one more player tho- Wenger has plenty to choose from. I just wish we had a bit of loyalty for the club - Cesc looks like he has some love in his heart for us, Kolo too - Wish we could bring Dennis back.

21

PJ

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 11:14 AM - Reply

I think this is a good signing. We needed more experience as well as additional strength at the back and this provdes both. Just because Man Utd can't use him doesn't mean we can't. Also 31 for a centre back is nothing. Now I'd like to see us sign that central midfielder we all know we need!

20

sulazu

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 11:08 AM - Reply

Armand Traoure to me will be a very brilliant cover for Gael Clichy in the next two seasons. Signing Silvestre this time will be to cover up for Armand's intern elsewhere for experience and maturity. Besides, we'll have stability at the back while the season lasted. That said, we still need a very good defensive midfielder before the close of transfers.

19

Theogene

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 10:58 AM - Reply

I do not think that redundant sylivester can be a solution to Arsenela if it really wants any cup which it has not had since 2005.How can the tired Gallas combine with Sylivester?Can you imagine how many own goals they can make? It's like he can call back Pascal Cygan. Arsenal's need is more than that.

18

Stan, South Africa

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 10:45 AM - Reply

I think it could be prove crucial when considering that Gallas gets injured easlily, im sure the gunners pride has taken a bit of a dive, but it will all mean nothing if we scoop the title (not to mention Champs League).

17

Pradhiesa

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 10:42 AM - Reply

In Arsene we Trust......

16

you people are crazy

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 10:34 AM - Reply

hes a good defender...and hes quick....can play left back and center back....ARE YOU PEOPLE TELLING ME HE IS NOT BETTER THAN SENDEROS??....plus he is strong and might be able to handle a big strong player like drogba....
he is also a greatt crosser of the ball...cant anyone remember his cross to rooney, when rooney scored the winning goal vs arsenal at old trafford a couple years ago??...
and for only 750k!!! WHY ARE U PEOPLE COMPLAINING..
plus he can give us info about man utd when we play them, they weak poins haha

15

Gunner Jordan Basiime

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 10:26 AM - Reply

It is very amazing and amusing. Am an arsenal fan but there some things Wenger is doing wrongly.Why of all people Silvestre and you let Flamin go? If i was Arsene'i would buy a DMF or else i field Alex Song regularly because he can do better in that position.You a building the youngsters but again you bring in old people to deny them playing time.
Gunner forever.

14

soulrebel

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 10:14 AM - Reply

This is contentious, no doubt, but if the current predictions of turning Toure and Eboue into DM's are true and they work then we could be onto something massive here.

From having no centre back cover at all to having Gallas, Sylvestre, Toure, Djourou, Senderos and possibly even Sagna, all of a sudden we have this versatility and depth. We will have players who can move in and out of midfield and defense when needed, with experienced cover for each.

Fingers crossed gooners, we could be flicking the V's to a whole lot of people soon.

What did we actually sign Mikael for? Ł7.50 or something?!

Ha.

13

maina, Kitale Kenya

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 10:06 AM - Reply

I think Wenger is out of his mind now. 1) Silvestre is 31.. he is so old. 2) who doesnt know Silvestre's blunders 3) Silvestre spent most of last season on bench with injuries.. do you call that experience? 4) Silvestre hates Arsenal. You remember him head butting Ljumberg? 5) Silvestre is from ManU... Doesnt Arsenal have some pride. 6) Is Wenger a tribal leader or what? Whats with just French players... 7) Didnt Arsenal need a defensive mid-fielder? 8) Silvestre is what Arsenal fans have been waiting for all transfer window. I respect Wenger, and i thank him for when he was a good manager... For now, he is just another old man at Arsenal. He should go.

12

George

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 10:05 AM - Reply

I was just wondering if Kolo has the energy to play week in week out as a DM. this is because he has looked out of breath playing as a right back or right midfielder. i dont think he has the stamina to for a whole season in DM. what do others think?

11

Champions 08 arsenal!!!

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 10:02 AM - Reply

read coment number 8 i think thats th best idea i have read why wenger signed him, well said arsenalfuture!!!

10

matdal

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 09:49 AM - Reply

Don't you guys see the pattern? Certainly AW wanted to reincarnate the Les Blues team that won the championship one time ago. Gallas, Nasri, Clichy,..now silvestre. What do you think? Were bringing the cup home this year baby!

9

simba gunner

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 09:48 AM - Reply

big question is, will he sign anyone else after mikael? i personally feel silvestre is a good addition, prolly for a few seasons but after that, we stil need to have somebody credible as him.

8

arsenalfuture

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 09:43 AM - Reply

it solves the DM position IF and only IF wnger does this, Clichy left Syvestre center along side gallas and sagna right side, DM will be Kolo... that would be perfect than with senderos healed he can replace either gallas or Mikael when the time is needed, remember Kolo used to play mid field, great reader of the game, great control of the ball, and can take runs upfront and be very dangerous!!! any one agree???

7

kukun

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 09:42 AM - Reply

i don`t think wenger crazy.ferguson also have sign old player-laurent blanc.mikel as back up..

6

arsenalfuture

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 09:42 AM - Reply

it solves the DM position IF and only IF wnger does this, Clichy left Syvestre center along side gallas and sagna right side, DM will be Kolo... that would be perfect than with senderos healed he can replace either gallas or Mikael when the time is needed, remember Kolo used to play mid field, great reader of the game, great control of the ball, and can take runs upfront and be very dangerous!!! any one agree???

5

GunnerPete

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 09:42 AM - Reply

I wont argue with Arsene about signing an experienced player to help the kids, but and a bloody big BUT........how come we let the best winger in the world go Bobby P, because the club has rules about not giving 31 year olds a two year contract??? How many years has this ex Man reserve got?

4

Said, Somalia

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 09:42 AM - Reply

It is interesting to see Silvestre joined Arsenal. One of the biggest rivals in the EPL. But the question I ask my self is, are arenal and Man U still big rivals as they used to be. As we saw from Ronaldo saga Arse said that he was happy that ronaldo stayed at man united and he was against it from the beginning. Silvestre joined arsenal answers my question they are not big rivals any more. But why, is it because Man United do not think arsenal are big challengers to the title and think given them Silvestre won’t help then or do they want that the title goes either Man united or arsenal by giving Silvestre. Don’t know I am arsenal fan and I think he will help the young players by giving them advise and the experience they lacked last year and my be wenger will move Toure to DM and play Silvestre with Gallas it will be interesting to see. What you people think. Gooners 4life.

3

redanddread

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 09:36 AM - Reply

Could be a shrewd signing! Didn't cost too much anyway and hopefully he will stay fit. Bolsters the squad strength-at least we don't have only fresh faced teens on the bench now. Have to hope this is not another Lassana Diarra scenario if he doesn't get enough playing time.

Come on you mighty Gunners!

2

Goonerreed

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 09:30 AM - Reply

Some of the more narrow-minded bloggers and comment-posters were dazed and confused, but I think most people see this as a sensible strengthening of the squad with an experienced winner. There's also no way this deal replaces the one for a strong DM that Wenger is looking for.
The risk in the deal is whether Silvestre stays fit, and letting Djourou go out on loan would defeat the purpose of 'strengthening', so I hope he stays on board as well.

1

kayci-gunner

Posted on 21 Aug, 2008 at 09:04 AM - Reply

Wenger is a crazy coach... how on earth will he sign sylvester... old, tired and redundant player. I mean nhe is out of his mind