Invisiblewall.net: Gilberto Silva News

According to The Daily Star, Gilberto Silva has recently been awarded British nationality. If this is true, it is quite exciting for the G-man. Check it out from The Shields Gazette:

Edit: this story has been reported on the BBC website since being posted

Arsenal’s Gilberto is expected to stay at the Emirates Stadium next season after passing his UK citizenship test, says the Daily Star.

As you can see, The Star go on to say that this fact is proof that Gilberto will stay at Arsenal next season. I don’t think this can be true – Gilberto is far too frustrated with not playing.

However, I did a little research into what conditions must be met for a non-UK citizen (married to a non-UK citizen) to get British nationality:

For those not married to a British citizen the requirements are:

– five years legal residence in the UK

– indefinite leave to remain or “equivalent” for this purpose (see above) must have been held for 12 months

– the applicant must intend to continue to live in the UK or work overseas for the UK government or a British corporation or association

– the same language and knowledge of life in the UK standards apply as for those married to British citizens

– All applicants for naturalisation must be of “good character”.

Gilberto has indeed been working legally in the UK for five years (he joined Arsenal in August 2002), and it can technically be argued that he intends to stay in the UK. Whether or not this turns out to be true has no bearing on his nationality after it is actually awarded. (I assume.)

Gilberto has a lovely knowledge of the UK, too – since he evidently passed his nationality test. His wife would apparently have to do this, too – but I assume that wouldn’t be a problem, since she’s been in the UK an equally long time as Gilberto. An interesting point is that his kids are fluent in English, and probably consider themselves British, since they’ve spent their entire lives in England. This is a good reason for Gilberto to try and get Brazilian nationality – so that he can return to the UK in the future to visit (or live with) his children.

Gilberto clearly fits the “good character” criteria. In fact, I’d say that Gilberto pretty much sets the criteria for that point. He is ‘good character’ personified, really.

So… yeah. Go Gilberto. He is now British. Long live the Queen. And stuff.

Gilberto has been talking to UEFA.com, and below is a copy of the article (though you can find the original article here).

Arsenal FC midfielder Gilberto Silva has warned his team-mates that Liverpool FC are a “team transformed” when it comes to the UEFA Champions League.

Different proposition

Liverpool travel south for the first leg of the teams’ quarter-final tie in London without an away win over the Gunners since February 2000 and having spent most of the Premier League season trailing in their slipstream. Yet Gilberto is aware that Rafael Benítez’s men are a different proposition in Europe and predicts a “very tough game”. Speaking to uefa.com the Brazil midfielder, who has made five UEFA Champions League appearances this season, said: “Liverpool are a good team. They are not playing at their best in the Premier League but they seem to be transformed in the Champions League, where they look really motivated.”

‘At our best’

For all Arsenal’s domestic success over the past decade, the 2006 UEFA Champions League finalists have yet to lift a trophy Liverpool have captured five times. “It is difficult to say why Liverpool do better in the Champions League – sometimes teams do well in one competition and not another,” said Gilberto. “They have a lot of quality and we need to be aware of that. It will be a very tough game. We know them and they know us and it will be important we are at our best to win this game.”

Three in a row

Arsenal won three of four meetings with Liverpool last term – eliminating them from both domestic cup competitions in the process – and drew 1-1 at Anfield earlier this season. Gilberto is hopeful Arsène Wenger’s men can maintain their recent good run against the Merseysiders, whom they will face three times in the space of seven days, the home-and-away European ties sandwiching a Premier League fixture in London next weekend. “It is always difficult against Liverpool and especially this time when we’ll be playing them three times in a row – in the league and the Champions League – but I am sure that we can win the three games and qualify for the next stage,” he said.

©uefa.com 1998-2008. All rights reserved.

Let’s hope Gilberto can play a good part in all of the upcoming Liverpool games!

From Guardian.co.uk:

Silva seeks gold for Brazil in Beijing

Gilberto Silva is keen to represent Brazil at the Olympics this August – a move that would rule him out for the start of next season at a time when his Arsenal future is already in question.

The midfielder is uncertain whether he will remain at Arsenal for the final year of his contract, having been sparingly used by Arsène Wenger this season after playing in last summer’s Copa América. Brazil coach Dunga has shown greater faith in the World Cup winner and may select Gilberto as one of three over-age players for the Beijing Olympic tournament, which finishes on 23 August.

Although Fifa will only force clubs to release players under the age of 23 for the Games, Gilberto is eager to add to his World Cup, Confederations Cup and Copa América successes with Brazil and will discuss playing in the tournament with Dunga at the end of the season.

‘It would be great to represent Brazil in a competition that I’ve never played in before and the only competition that Brazil never won,’ Gilberto said. ‘If I’m one of the players Dunga wants to bring it would be nice to be there. I will do everything to help but I don’t know if the club will allow it.’

By the time of the Olympics, the 31-year-old could have new employers, although he has yet to receive a concrete offer from another club. ‘Nothing is definite yet,’ Gilberto said. ‘At the moment I don’t have anything – no offer from any club – and I don’t know if Arsenal have received something. The only thing I can say is that I will make a decision at the end of the season.’

Not really worth speculating about this Olympics business until his employer for next season is sorted out.

The one and only Gilberto Silva played at Arsenal’s Emirate’s Stadium yesterday. He started the game. He was captain. His team won. It reminds you of last season, doesn’t it? Except; last night, he was playing for Brazil. Gilberto hadn’t been expecting an easy game from the Swedes, and neither Kaka or Ronaldinho were chosen for the squad.

Taken from the excellent FIFA.com article, here’s a short review of the game, including quotes from Gilberto at the end:

It took Alexandre Pato just 11 minutes to mark his international debut with a goal – and what a goal it was. Charging down Rami Shaaban’s attempted clearance near the right-hand corner of the penalty box, he turned in an instant and lifted a first-time lob high over the stranded Swedish substitute keeper and into the far corner of the net.

The 72nd minute strike gave Brazil a 1-0 victory over the Europeans and also served to reinforce Pato’s reputation as being one of the game’s most exciting young talent. But those present at the Emirates Stadium in London were well aware of that already. His name was cheered loudly by the fans when the teams were announced, he was given an enthusiastic reception when warming up on the touchline and those cheers increased still further when he replaced Julio Baptista shortly after the hour mark.

The roof was almost lifted off the arena when his cheeky effort hit the back of the net. Without Ronaldo, Ronaldinho or Kaka – the Brazilian fans had a new name to chant. Excited journalists were already making comparisons with Pele, as where O Rei stole the show in 1958; Pato came to the fore in the commemorative game half a century later.

Yet team-mate Gilberto Silva has warned the press and the public alike not to expect too much too soon from their new darling.

“He can be very, very good,” the Arsenal midfielder told FIFA.com exclusively after the game. “But we should not put a lot of pressure on him, because he’s still young, he still needs to develop and improve on aspects of his game. But yes, I’m sure he’ll be a fantastic player in the future. He certainly took his goal well.

“We’re looking forward to the World Cup qualifiers in the summer and I am sure he will be involved in them. Tonight was all about preparing for them and we were given a good test by Sweden. We were delighted to win the match and I feel that we’re in a very strong position to qualify for South Africa.

“We have a lot of good players at our disposal. I’m not too sure whether the players we have this time are better than four years ago; it’s difficult to compare, but the important thing for us is the fact that even if some players are not able to play, those who come in will do an excellent job for us.”

Now to try and get a few starts at the Emirates! Who would have thought it would be so easy to do for Brazil, and so difficult for Arsenal?

From Arsenal.com

Gilberto – We have a chance for both trophies

Gilberto will not let uncertainty over his own future prevent him helping Arsenal to at least one trophy this season.

The Brazilian has been used sparingly by Arsène Wenger this season but, considering the Gunners’ recent wobble, his wealth of experience could be key both on and off the field.

Gilberto thinks that a recent downturn in results for the Club should not detract from a hugely impressive season, and that any hope of silverware should not have extinguished yet.

“We have a chance still in both competitions,” he said. “A few weeks ago we were five points clear and now it is not a comfortable situation as there is only seven games left but we do have a chance.

“The most important thing is to win our own games. If we win our seven games then we have a chance but we cannot afford to slip up anymore.

“[Talking] about my future, I will see what will happen. At the moment I cannot say anything. I am concentrating on working hard for Arsenal and trying to help. If I have the opportunity to play or be in the squad I will help as it is an important moment for us.

“I am working very hard at the training ground to get into the team. I know it has been difficult because the team has been playing well. I won’t give up.”

Gilberto said a bunch of things in an interview yesterday. Rather than intermittently paraphrase him and then quote bits of what he said, I’ll just paste everything he said in one big box. Have at it:

Some time when things don’t work well, especially in the last few weeks when we didn’t get our results, some people try to create some problems.

I am sure we don’t have any problems in the dressing room at Arsenal, he has still got the friendship of the players and the support of everybody.

About my future, I will see what happens at the end of the season. For the moment, I cannot say anything.

I am not playing at the moment but I just concentrate on working with Arsenal and trying to play as a squad and help them as that is important for us.

I work very hard at the training ground every day to get my chance to get in the team. I know it has been difficult because the team has been playing well apart from the last few results, but I will not give up, things can change and maybe I can have my chance.

[Arsenal] have got a chance in both competitions. Three weeks ago we were five points clear and now we are at a disadvantage.

We have seven games left so we still have a chance. We are going to play Manchester United away, but the most important thing is, if we win seven games we still have a chance.

This interview was taken from the excellent article at Setanta Sports. Thank you, Setanta!

(And thank you, Gilberto.)

Wenger will also hold end-of-season talks with Gilberto Silva, as speculation grows that the Brazilian World Cup winning midfielder could be on his way out of the Emirates Stadium.

Giberto, Brazil’s captain, has not been a regular member in the Arsemal side this season, when the Gunners have put themselves in contention for the Premier League and Champions League titles.

Wenger said: “It’s too early to say that [he will leave], it is more down to Gilberto’s desire because at the moment he does not play.

“We will sit down together, we are adults, Gilberto is a very strong man with a big personality and he will know what he wants to do at the end of the season. I’m happy if he stays but we’ll sort it out at the end of the season.

“He’s a fantastic player, a fantastic person and has a lot of credit within the group. He has a lot of quality, but his bad luck was that the team started [this season] without him and did well.”

Read the rest of the article here.

From Sky Sports

Gilberto to make summer decision

Out-of-favour midfielder delays decision on Gunners future

Arsenal’s out-of-favour midfielder Gilberto Silva has confirmed he will make a decision on his future this summer.

The Brazilian lost the captain’s armband at the start of the season to William Gallas before losing his place in the side to Mathieu Flamini.

Gilberto, who was linked with a January move away from the Emirates, has confirmed he has struggled without first-team football this term.

The 31-year-old is tied to Arsenal until the summer of 2009 and has hinted the time may be right to move on, if he fails to win a place in Arsene Wenger’s side in the end of season run in.

“I’m trying to adjust to the situation, but I confess it’s not been easy,” stated Gilberto.

“I love the club and Arsene is a good man and a good manager – but there are only two months to go and I haven’t played much.

“I will wait until the end of the season and then make my decision. If a good opportunity comes along then I don’t see any other option.”

My stance on this is that Gilberto must put his own career first – as any footballer must. Obviously, I’m not of the opinion that players should jump ship as soon as they are dropped for a few games; that would obviously be ridiculous, and contrary to the best interests of the player. But if it becomes obvious to a player that his career will suffer in the long term as a result of not playing for a substantial length of time, he must seek pastures new. This is what Gilberto must do. (I say ‘must’ in a loose sense of the word. I really mean that many people would see it as professional and acceptable if he did this.)

Even if Gilberto plays in every minute of every Arsenal game for the rest of the season, though, must he decide to stay at the club? I think he must still consider leaving for the good of his own career. Playing for the rest of the season would not guarantee Gilberto playing time next season. He could just as easily have another identical season in which he was used as a back-up midfielder. For the sake of his personal and international career, he probably won’t want this to happen.

So, whatever happens in the next two months, I honestly don’t see Gilberto turning down a move away from Arsenal. Obviously, this doesn’t mean that I think he will certainly leave. Obviously, Gilberto is still under contract – and should Wenger decide that Gilberto cannot leave; Bert is still under contract, and any true professional must honour his contract. A move away from Arsenal also hinges on whether a suitable club (‘suitable’ meaning a club which offers enough to convince Arsenal to sell, and also meaning a club which Gilberto deems desirable in terms of location and ambition) bids for Gilberto.

If all the above conditions were met, I don’t see that Gilberto will turn down a move away from Arsenal – regardless of what happens for the rest of the season.

If any of what I have written makes you think that I’m anti-Arsenal for ‘wanting’ Gilberto to leave the club, then stop and think for a moment. We (well, myself) here at Invisiblewall.net never claim to be anything other than fans of Gilberto Silva. My agenda with this site is just to support Gilberto Silva in whatever he does (and for whichever club he plays for). I am not obliged to campaign for what is good for Arsenal – the fact that Gilberto plays for Arsenal is merely arbitrary; Arsenal are a subject on this site just for the fact that Gilberto plays for them. Should Gilberto move clubs and play, for example, Juventus, this site would then have a big leaning towards the games and news of Juventus.

From The Guardian football website.

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 11 (Reuters) – AC Milan’s 18-year-old striker Alexandre Pato is to make his Brazil debut after being named in the squad for the friendly against Sweden in London later this month.
Barcelona’s Ronaldinho was left out while four other uncapped players were called up, coach Dunga naming several hopefuls for the Beijing Olympics.

Dunga urged Brazilians not to get carried away with the recent performances of Pato, who was included in the squad for last month’s game with Ireland but had to pull out because of injury.

“Alexandre has played some good games but, in the desire to create another star quickly, people get carried away,” said Dunga.

“We mustn’t put too much responsibility on him. Young players have problems with consistency, their performances vary a lot.”

Although Ronaldinho has been playing for Barcelona recently, Dunga suggested that the former World Player of the Year was not fully match fit.
“He’s getting better, he’s starting to play again and it’s important that he continues this way,” he said.

“With the Brazilian team, there’s not much time to train. We have two important World Cup qualifiers in June and we want him to be fully fit by then.”

Brazil are away to Paraguay in June and face Argentina at home four days later.

Dunga also called up uncapped goalkeeper Diego Alves, defender Leo, midfielder Hernanes and forward Thiago Neves.

Dunga will also be in charge of the Olympic team, where Brazil are attempting to win their first soccer gold medal.

Goalkeepers: Diego Alves (Almeria), Julio Cesar (Inter Milan)
Defenders: Daniel Alves (Sevilla), Alex Costa (Chelsea), Juan (AS Roma), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Rafinha (Schalke 04), Leo (Gremio)

Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Hernanes (Sao Paulo), Josue (VfL Wolfsburg), Kaka (AC Milan), Lucas (Liverpool), Richarlyson (Sao Paulo), Diego (Werder Bremen), Julio Baptista (Real Madrid)

Forwards: Alexandre Pato (AC Milan), Rafael Sobis (Real Betis), Robinho (Real Madrid), Thiago Neves (Fluminese), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla) (Editing by Clare Lovell )

Well done, Bert – still in there!

Gilberto has been talking to Arsenal TV about the Gunners’ chances for the rest of the season. Here’s what he said:

We have come off a few draws which is not good, but we need to come back and win the next game,

I don’t think we need to think about them (United) too much now.

They have a game in hand and can go one point ahead but the most important thing is to do our job properly.

You never know, they can slip up as we did at Wigan.

The story appeared on Goal.com.