Invisiblewall.net: Gilberto Silva News

Arsene Wenger sees “no reason” to take the Arsenal captain’s armband away from Gilberto – but expects others to help in the leadership role next season.

The veteran Brazilian is currently away on an extended break following his exploits in the Copa America this summer, and is set to sit out the start of the new domestic season as a result.

In his absence, William Gallas and Kolo Toure are expected to be the most likely candidates to lead the side who will compete this weekend in the Emirates Cup, which also features Inter Milan, Valencia and Paris St Germain.

Gilberto, 31, stood in for Thierry Henry when the then skipper was out last season.

With his talisman now moved on to Barcelona, Wenger is more than happy to allow the experienced Brazilian to continue leading by example.

“The captain last year was Gilberto and there is no reason to take it away from him,” said the Arsenal boss.

“At the moment in some games it is Gallas and some games it is Kolo because I feel that the centre-back position is the best one from which to captain the teams.

“Those three will be leaders of the team for the season and whoever plays will captain the team.

“We are a very young side and the experienced players have a big part to play, that is why I try to multiply the influence of the big players.”

Toure is more than happy to step into the role when needed.

The Ivory Coast defender said: “I have spent a lot of years here with Mr Wenger, and he is building a fantastic squad.

“I am really happy to be one of the leaders of the team.

“I am 26 now and have played for the club for a long time, and we have some great things to do still with this club and we are all looking forward to it.”

Toure added: “Last season, we played the football, but sometimes did not get the results.

“I think next season will go much better.

“We have learned from what was wrong and we are really focused for all those trophies and know we can make it.”

Wenger revealed he will also be tapping into the experience of men like goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, at 38 the oldest member of the squad.

“Jens could be an interesting choice for club captain because he has a weight inside the squad and is a massive winner,” said the Gunners boss.

“Players like Kolo listen to him, and it is kind of a moral leadership as well, because we are a very young side.”

Story reported by Sporting Life

From The S*n,

Gilberto on Gunners leave

GILBERTO will miss the start of Arsenal’s season.

The Brazil captain has been given an extended holiday by club boss Arsene Wenger after his Copa America success.

Wenger confirmed: “He will miss the start of the season.

“He is on a three-week holiday and will be back on August 7.”

Gunners play Fulham on August 12 and days later have a Champions League qualifier but the influential midfielder will not be match fit.

Gilberto is favourite to replace Thierry Henry as the new Arsenal captain but Wenger could spring a surprise by naming one of his defenders, William Gallas or Kolo Toure.

Wenger said: “I think centre-back is the best position to captain the team because you are in a position to see all the problems on the pitch.”

We sort of already knew this, but there are some new quotes there.

Also, it’s strange that Wenger is touting William Girlas as potential captain. True, Gallas is in a better position on the pitch to captain the side, but Gilberto isn’t an idiot like Gallas. Idiots shouldn’t captain teams.

Have a good holiday Bert, and hopefully we’ll see you as captain back on August the 7th. Have a lovely rest, you lovely boy!

Brazil beat Argentina 3-0 last night in Venezuela. Gilberto was suspended for the game, but since he captained Brazil for their five other games in the tournament, he lifted the Copa America trophy with Juan, Gilberto’s replacement captain for the final.

Here are some pics of Gilberto. (Well, they’re of the back of his head, but hey.)

From Journal da Brasil

Way to go, Bert! Even though you didn’t play last night, you did us proud in the trophy presentation.

After gallantly leading Brazil to the Copa America final – Gilberto Silva will miss the final after collecting two yellow cards.

Gilberto’s game against Uruguay was one of his best ever games as a footballer. He was captain of the side, and throughout the game, expertly guided the young team. On several occasions he stopped fights between the junior Uruguay and Brazil players, and he even scored a penalty in the shootout at the end of the game. Brazil won the shootout 5-4, but Gilberto will not play in the final game of the tournament.

It is extremely harsh on Gilberto, especially after all his amazing leadership.

Well done Bert; if Brazil win the tournament, it will be largely down to you!

Simultaneous congratulations and condolances.

What an easy win. Gilberto captained Brazil to a quarter final win over Chile. The final score was 6-1, and Brazil are now through to the semi finals of the Copa America. They will play Uruguay on Tuesday.

Gilberto told The Sun today that Drogba should watch his silly mouth. Here’s what he said:

So Drogba said we’re already out of the title race, did he? Well, let’s wait and see what happens.

What I do know is last season Chelsea spent a fortune on new signings and still couldn’t beat Arsenal once in the league.

They didn’t defend their title either, so I think Drogba is talking a little bit too much.

He then talked about da Silva – Arsenal’s new Silva Signing. (Get ready for more original ‘SILVA LINING’ headlines.) Here’s what he said:

We played against him in the Champions League. He appears to be a good player and a great striker but we’ll have to see how he settles in and adapts to English football.

I think he could do well. It will also be excellent to have someone in the team who speaks Portuguese.

We’ll lose a heck of a lot without Henry. He was our main player, the captain, the top scorer.

It’s true that replacing him will be no simple task. But we can’t go through the kind of spell as we did when Patrick Vieira went to Italy.

He was the leader of the squad and it took us time to adapt to playing without him. We don’t want that again.”

That means the Brazilians here have done a good job and opened the doors for others to come.

Anderson, Alex and Lucas are great players. I wish them all the luck in the world. Except against Arsenal, that is!

As always, well said Bert.

Gilberto was captain in Brazil’s 1-0 win over Ecudor last night.

He had a bit of a dodgy first half, despite Brazil taking the lead through a Robinho penalty. His second half improved though, as he did a series of amazing interceptions and tackles.

Brazil are consequently through to the quarter finals, where they will play Chile on Saturday. Bert will captain the side – hooray!

Link to the Daily Express article

FABREGAS SET TO LEAD GUNNERS
(KIND OF)

ARSENE WENGER is ready to confirm how important Cesc Fabregas is to Arsenal’s future by making him vice-captain.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have been circling the brilliant young Spanish midfielder, but Fabregas’s insistence he is staying is set to be rewarded.

Wenger will show his faith in the mature 20-year-old – who signed an eight-year deal last season – by asking him to lead the team if Gilberto Silva is not available.

Freddie Ljungberg also looks set to start next season at the Emirates, despite a £4million bid from Fiorentina.

Superb! Fabregas will make a great captain for the first few games which Gilberto misses at the beginning of next season.