Gilberto reveals frustration at being a sub
October 14, 2007
Gilberto reveals Gunners pain
GILBERTO has revealed his agony at being dropped by Arsenal.
The Gunners star has struggled to hold down a place with the Premier League leaders.
The Brazilian has started just four of Arsenal’s 11 games this season.
Gilberto missed most of pre-season because of his country’s Copa America campaign and has since failed to dislodge Cesc Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini.
And Gilberto, 31, said: “Yes, it has been so frustrating.
“I am on the bench not because of my quality or something like that but because I came back late. It is so hard.
“The only thing I need to do is do my job, respect the manager’s decision, respect the other players and the way they play at the moment.
“Of course, when I have the opportunity I want to do the best I can for the team like I have done but it’s a slight difference compared to other years.
“It is the first time I haven’t been in the team. I confess to you it has been so hard for me.
“Of course I want to come back and play again in my position central midfield. But you need to respect that Mathieu and Cesc are playing very well.
“It is visible to everybody and I need to respect the manager’s decision. I will do my best to return to the team. I will see in the next few games what will happen.â€