Official: Gilberto joins Panathinaikos
July 18, 2008
Reposted from AFP: http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5h…
Arsenal confirm Gilberto’s Greek move
LONDON (AFP) — Arsenal confirmed on Thursday that Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva has completed his one million pounds (1.2 million euros) move to Greek club Panathinaikos.
Former Arsenal captain Gilberto ended his six-year spell with Arsene Wenger’s side after passing a medical in Athens.
The 31-year-old has signed a three-year deal worth an estimated six million pounds (7.5 million euros), making him the highest paid player in Greek football.
But Gilberto, who was greeted by over 1,000 fans when he arrived in Greece, insisted he is motivated by the chance to win titles and not the size of his bank balance.
“I’m hungry to win more titles. I came to Greece because I have big ambitions, it’s very important for me to be able to continue to give my best,” he said. “(Panathinaikos manager) Henk ten Cate is a coach I know from his time at Chelsea and I’m looking forward to working with him.
“The people here at Panathinaikos made the decision to come here very easy.
“I’m sure we will qualify through to the group stages of the Champions League and I’m exited about being a Panathinaikos player.”
Gilberto, a World Cup winner in 2002, was a member of the “invincible” Arsenal team that won the 2004 Premier League title after going unbeaten through the entire campaign.
He made 244 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 24 goals, and also won the FA Cup in 2003 and 2005.
“Arsenal can confirm that Gilberto has joined Greek side Panathinaikos,” a statement on the club’s website read.
“Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Gilberto for his huge contribution to the club both on and off the pitch, and wish him the very best for the future.”
I would be foolish to try and summarise the feeling of all Arsenal fans – but one blogger, the excellent Arseblog.com, actually managed. Here is what he posted on July 18:
There’s only one place to start this morning and that’s the departure of Gilberto Silva, confirmed officially by the club yesterday. In stark contrast to the rather cutting remarks made by Arsene Wenger about Hleb’s move the official website was full of good cheer towards the Brazilian, and so it should be. He’s been a fantastic servant since he joined in the summer of 2002, been an integral part of title and trophy winning sides and, in an era when players are all too willing to throw a strop at the slightest little things, he’s been a model professional in the face of some serious disappointments.
It really wasn’t until he spent a long time out with a serious back injury that people realised what he brought to the side. Never the most dynamic or creative he had a natural defensive instinct and was always aware of where the team needed cover. If a centre-half went forward he automatically slotted into their position to cover.
He had some landmark moments too. He scored on his debut against Liverpool in the Charity Shield, he scored what was then the fastest ever Champions League goal against PSV (despite giving the ball away, heh), and he scored our first goal at the new stadium as we drew 1-1 against Aston Villa on the opening day of the 2006-7 season. And that year was probably his finest as an Arsenal player. He led the team in the absence of Thierry Henry, scored a lot of goals and was, to my mind, our best player that year.
Last summer he went to the Copa America with Brazil and suffered for it. Most expected him to be made captain, Arsene went with William Gallas, a move which, in hindsight, turned out to be as poor a decision as the boss has ever made, in my opinion. Gilberto found himself on the bench as Flamini took his chance and kept his place in the side. But despite his obvious disappointment and hurt at the way things turned out he did nothing but keep his head down, work hard and give 100% for the club whenever needed. As a professional I sincerely hope that our younger players take their example from him rather than some of the other ‘characters’ in the squad.
So he goes to Panathanaikos on a three year deal and I sincerely wish him all the best out there. He was a real professional and thoroughly decent man. Thanks for everything, Bert. You’ll be remembered fondly.
Well done on your move Gilberto – and well done for all your work at Arsenal!
Now let’s see a new era of sucecss for you in Greece!