Gilberto wants to sort contract out quickly
May 27, 2005
ARSENAL’S midfield lynchpin Gilberto Silva has given the Gunners a massive end-of-season boost by pledging his future to the club.
There were fears that the Brazilian – who has only one year left on his current deal – would follow the example of compatriot Edu and run his current contract down before leaving on a free transfer.
But the World Cup winner told Ham&High Sport that he has no intention of walking out on his team-mates – and promised to sign a new deal before the beginning of the next campaign.
“I think when I come back from the holidays we can talk about that,” said Gilberto. “At the moment we haven’t discussed my contract – I have one more year on my contract.
“But I think we will sort it out. I enjoy this club, I like this club and I want to stay here.”
Indeed, Gilberto wants to get the deal done and dusted before the start of next season after seeing the problems caused by Edu’s stop-start negotiations.
His compatriot spent most of the season discussing a new deal, but after he failed to reach an agreement with his Highbury paymasters manager Arsene Wenger even refused to pick him.
That coincided with a slump in the team’s on field performances and the Gunners will be desperate to avoid the same situation.
“I think when the negotiations take so long to sort out it is not good for both parts – the club and the player,” said Gilberto. “Sometimes the player cannot concentrate very well, and it is a distraction as well.
“But I think my situation is going to be easy. I hope we can sort it out when I come back.”
Gilberto has emerged as a key component of Arsenal’s team. After missing most of the season with a back injury sustained against Bolton, the team have not lost in nine matches.
In that period they have conceded only four goals.
He played a key role for the Gunners in their FA Cup Final victory against Manchester United, when he was one of the few players to perform. While Cesc Fabregas and Patrick Vieira were both lost in the Manchester midfield maelstrom, the Brazilian made a number of vital interceptions.