Gilberto misses Arsenal

Former Gunners midfielder Gilberto Silva will be back at the Emirates Stadium this March for a friendly between Brazil and the Republic of Ireland.

The Brazilian is glad to be back at Arsenal, saying he misses life in London and that he makes sure to still follow the progress of his old club.

Speaking to the official site, he said: "The time I had at Arsenal was amazing and I miss everything. I have great memories about Arsenal, memories I will never forget.

"For me, Arsenal was a big school, as I learned so many things at the Club. I am very thankful for everything, the Club, all the people at Arsenal, they were so nice to me and very helpful during my time there. Everyone was always smiling, always there to help me. It's impossible to point to just one thing I miss because I had a great time at Arsenal. I fitted in well with the culture at Arsenal."

There are a lot of youngsters learning their trade at Arsenal, and Gilberto says he was just the same when he arrived at the club in 2002.

"When I came to Arsenal I had on my mind that I had to start from zero again with many things in my life and my football career, and I started at this point from zero. When I started from there I think it was a chance to learn. I always had on my mind that I had so many things to learn."

On the progress of the current side, the 33-year-old is hoping Arsène Wenger's side can bounce back from their recent disappointments and go on to mount a serious title challenge.

He said: "I have been following Arsenal's matches in the Premier League. I'm sure that despite the two defeats against Manchester United and Chelsea, Arsenal can make things change. They must believe in themselves, in their quality. They must believe in themselves that they can win their remaining games.

"If Arsenal can win their games there is the possibility that other teams will drop points. But it is up to Arsenal - don't focus too much on the other teams, focus only on what Arsenal have to do to win their games. If they win their games, then we will see what happens, but the most important thing is to keep their focus."

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