Gilberto support for Sol
March 13, 2006
GILBERTO: CAMPBELL WILL BE FIT
Arsenal midfielder Gilberto insists Sol Campbell will be fit to take his place in England’s World Cup squad.
Campbell has not played for Arsenal since February 1, initially due to apparent problems in his private life, and more recently a bruised foot.
It has led to questions being asked about his inclusion in England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson’s squad for the finals.
Gilberto firmly believes centre-back Campbell will not only soon be back playing for the Gunners, but also for England.
“I think he will be fit and strong [for the World Cup],” said the Brazilian.
“He has had some injuries this season and people think it will be difficult for him.
“But from speaking to him, he is looking forward to it. He wants to get fit as soon as possible to play for Arsenal and join the England team for the World Cup.
“That’s what he is looking to do because he knows how important he is, so he is coming back. Now he is all right.
“Everything that has happened to him is in the past, and everyone supports him.
“That’s one of the good things about this club, that if someone has a problem then people try to help them solve that problem.
“Now he is ready. He wants a new challenge here and with England, and he is looking forward to it.”
Gilberto is also confident Thierry Henry will stay with the Gunners beyond this season, despite speculation linking him with a move abroad.
With manager Arsene Wenger’s rebuilding plans, Gilberto feels that will be enough to convince Henry his future is in north London.
“He knows how passionate the fans are about him, and he loves the club as well,” added Gilberto on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek programme.
“Everyone wants him to stay because he is one of the best strikers in the world, if not the best at the moment.
“But it has been very difficult for him because whenever you open the papers there are stories saying he will leave at the end of the season.
“He is still the same. He is not worried about what the press are saying, but no-one knows what he is going to do.
“Everyone expects him to stay, which would be fantastic for us if he did, and we are confident he will.
“The reason why I renewed my contract here is because I believe this is a brilliant time for the club.
“It’s normal when you change something for it not to work well, but I believe over the next couple of years we will be winners again.”
The Gunners’ decision to sell Patrick Vieira to Juventus last summer for �13.7million has long been cited as the reason for the club’s Premiership slump this season.
Arsenal are Britain’s sole survivors in the Champions League, with a quarter-final meeting lined up with Juve and Vieira.
Gilberto concedes the loss of Vieira proved a difficult void to fill at the start of the season, but they are finding their feet again.
Although the 29-year-old admits being on the opposing side to Vieira will be a strange feeling, he reckons Arsenal can reach the last four for the first time in the club’s history.
“I played alongside him for three years, and during that time he was the leader of the team, in the dressing room and on the pitch,” said Gilberto.
“To adapt to playing without him has taken a long time, and that’s why we are not in a good position in the league.
“It will now be completely strange and different to play against him, but after playing for Arsenal for so many years, I think he wanted this kind of situation.
“But as we showed against Real Madrid, if we work hard and together, and we show commitment and desire then we are capable of beating any team.”