The Brazilian enjoyed
a magnificent 2006/07 campaign and was without doubt one of the
Gunners' players of the season, but this year saw an almost dramatic
slide in his physical conditioning and precision of passing, as he fast
found himself out of the side on an almost permanent basis, replaced by
Mathieu Flamini.
There were rumours that being superceded for
the captaincy - which went to controversial newcomer William Gallas -
affected Gilberto's morale and there were rumours of a move to Juventus
earlier in the season.
He has managed to retain his place in the Brazil
side, though, and insists that he is happy to stay at Arsenal. With
Mathieu Flamini having left the club for Milan on a free transfer, it
may yet be revealed that the veteran gets a second chance to
re-establish himself in defensive midfield, though rumours are ongoing
that a replacement is being scouted for.
"I do want to stay," insisted Gilberto. "It depends when I come back if Arsene wants me to stay.
"I
still have one year left on my contract. I'm happy to stay at the club.
I will wait until I return to London and pre-season training on 21 July
and then I will sit down and talk about it."
he stay then gd lo...
he needs to stay i think. arsenal needs more lj. (lao jiao not lan jiao) And i am sure he wont mind being on the bench most of the time.
Originally posted by FirePig:he needs to stay i think. arsenal needs more lj. (lao jiao not lan jiao) And i am sure he wont mind being on the bench most of the time.
with flamini now gone and wenger have not confirmed a replacement, i don't think he would be on the bench. i would definitely want him to play rather than alex song
another old lam pa ji who is a shadow of his past