Invisiblewall.net: Gilberto Silva News

UEFA interviewed our golden boy Gilberto Silva about all things hip hop and happening. This story is taken from http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UCL/news/Kind=1/newsId=369204.html, and here is a copy of it:

Arsenal FC midfielder Gilberto believes the secret behind their success in this year’s UEFA Champions League is down to the fact that people no longer expect them to win the competition.

Maximum points
Arsène Wenger’s side have never gone beyond the quarter-finals in the UEFA Champions League despite being among the favourites in previous years. Having breezed through Group B with maximum points from their first four matches, however, the Brazil midfielder is convinced the Gunners can finally become European champions this time around.

Less pressure
“I have to say it was a pretty good feeling to book a place in the next phase without the struggle we went through in the last few seasons in this competition,” Gilberto told uefa.com. “Perhaps our group was not so strong this time, but I do think the fact people were paying less attention to us helped a lot. Everybody’s talking more about the likes of Chelsea and this took a bit of weight from our shoulders.

Hunger for success
“As far as winning the Champions League is concerned, we are not among the favourites at the moment but it doesn’t change the simple reality that winning matches will be the only way to put our hands on that trophy. Everybody linked to Arsenal wants it so much,” he continued.

Stormy past
“It’s hard to believe we haven’t got closer to winning it before – especially in the season we won the Premiership unbeaten. But football is a game where the best can also lose. There are bigger examples such as the Dutch team in 1974, and the amazing Brazilian side of 1982. They were the best, but failed to win the big tournament. Having said that, I feel Arsenal’s stormy times might be behind us.”

Group winners
Swiss minnows FC Thun entertain Arsenal in tonight’s Matchday 5 encounter, still clinging to the hope of snatching second place in Group B but mindful of their 2-1 defeat at Highbury, when Gilberto scored, on Matchday 1. Meanwhile, the Gunners need just one point in Switzerland to guarantee their progress through to the knockout stages as group winners with one match to spare.

Even keel
The 2002 FIFA World Cup winner insisted he is full of respect for the Swiss club. “Thun caused us problems last time,” he said. “Smaller clubs are not intimidated anymore. That was exactly the case with Thun, who played really well at Highbury and showed quality. “However, I think Arsenal deserved the win against them that night,” he added.

‘Top form’
In the absence of Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp, the 22-year-old Dutch international Robin van Persie looks likely to partner Thierry Henry in Arsenal’s attack. The youngster was sent off when the two sides met previously, but having scored six goals in his last five games, will be riding high on confidence ahead of the game.

‘Big future’
And Gilberto believes Van Persie has a bright future with the north London club. “Robin is fast becoming a key player for us now,” he said. “He has improved a lot from last season. He’s more confident and has learned to be more of a team player. I can see him being even more important for Arsenal in the future than he is now.

Boy wonder
“I don’t like to hear people say that Robin is just a substitute for Dennis Bergkamp. They are very different players. Dennis is a classic creator, while Robbie appears to be someone who puts the ball in the net.” Doubtless Van Persie will do his best to let his goals do the talking this evening.

So there you have it! Gilberto is a lovely boy, and well done to him.