Invisiblewall.net: Gilberto Silva News

Gilberto talked to users of UEFA.com in the chat room; here is the transcript!

vojce: hi gilberto

Iggy: hello guys

colin: hi

Brazil are rubbish at rugby: Have you missed Patrick Viera this season? What did he teach you when you played with him?

Gilberto: We missed him a lot in the beginning of the season. We took a while to assimilate his departure. Nowadays things are doing much better. We wish him luck everywhere he plays. Patrick was a friendly team mate and a true leader. We missed our captain more than the player.

GoonerKing3: what do you think about Arsenals chances of lifting the Champions League trophy in May

Gilberto: We have the same chances as the other 16 teams in this round. Our attitude will determine how far we can go. It’s a bit early to think that much ahead, even though everybody got really excited after yesterday’s result.

Ant: In your opinion who’s the most promising of Arsenals youngsters?

Gilberto: Fabregas is getting better every day, although he still needs more physical power. Diaby is a strong player and a nice touch. They all need more experience and mileage. We shouldn’t put too much pressure on them.

Ron Atkinson for Pope: Do you think you will get in the Brazil squad for the World Cup?

Gilberto: I am confident that I have enough quality to be in the Brazilian squad for the World Cup. I am working hard and I expect to defend my country in Germany.

Wojtekowski: Since you have won biggest prize i.e. the World Cup, is it difficult to be motivated to win again or do you want win again desperatly? Maybe your main aim now is the Champions League since you have won the World Cup?

Gilberto: I want to win every trophy. Once you reach the top, you always want to remain there. If I could choose, I’d be collecting silverware everyday.

Puper: Hi Gilberto! Who do you expect to win tonight in the classic Chelsea-Barcelona clash? Which team woud yu prefer as one of your next opponents?

Gilberto: I will be watching, especially because we might play one of them if we qualify. I think Barcelona might struggle a bit with the pitch and, obviously, they will be playing a very tough team. It will be a nice match, I believe.

ash: How did the atmosphere in the bernabeu compare to highbury?

Gilberto: It was my first time at the Bernabeu. It’s a bit different from Highbury. Supporters in England are a bit more behaved than in Spain. But it was a nice atmosphere. I am sure that the reception in Highbury will be amazing as well, even though our ground is much smaller than the Bernabeu.

Did you know?: Gilberto previously worked as a furniture maker in his homeland.

afc: how have you found english football since you moved here?

Gilberto: I am used to English Football. It was a bit tough when I arrived. Things are changing[/b]: the smaller teams have been improving and, in my opinion, the Premiership is gettin more balanced, with the obivous exception of Chelsea.

Big Chris: How do all the different nationalities understand each other in the Arsenal team? Does the team use translators?

Gilberto: We don’t have translators. If anybody has a problem, the more adapted players are the ones to help.

ash: How different is it playing in the Premiership to the Champions League?

Gilberto: Both competitions should be tackled with the same spirit. Perhaps Arsenal will be playing in Europe with a bigger effort because we have never won the Champions League. Tactically, you’ve got to be more aware, for the opponents tend to be harder and not as well-known as in the Premiership.

Wojtekowski: Does your family live in England and do you miss Brazil at times?

Gilberto: I miss Brazil but since my wife and my daughter moved in things have been much easier. I was already adapted, even to the cold weather, but I lived alone for two years and that was a bit tough.

frenchgunner: I think you have seen that . Your brazilian team mate juninho has scored another fantastic free kick. what do you think of him and would you like to play against him in champions league ?

Gilberto: I am bit biased to speak about a Brazilian team mate, but I think everybody can see how good Juninho is. I’m even a bit surprised no clubs from the bigger leagues haven’t tried harder to poach him from Lyon. As for playing against him, I think it’s not for anybody to choose opponents in the Champions League.

antman: how is theo walcott settling into the squad at highbury?

Gilberto: Walcott is really young and it takes time to settle in. But he’s a talented player and could be one of Arsenal’s big names in a few years time.

colin: Do you think next year arsenal will be back in the top two ?

Gilberto: Arseanl have the potential to bounce back. But we need to bring a more experienced midfielder and it’s really important to see how the Henry situation will unfold. It’s for the sake of the squad.

Awsome Arsenal: Do you think Real Madrid will struggle at Highbury due to the narrow pitch and Reals wide style of play?

Gilberto: Real’s style might create some difficulties for them at Highbury. They won’t have a lot of space to play, let alone the fact we will be at home and with the crowd on our side. It’s a great opportunity for Arsenal.

ImpalaBlunt: What is your favourite food?

Gilberto: Brazilian food. Black bean and pork stew, a classic Brazilian dish.

Big Fella: Are you looking foward to the new stadium and how do you think that will affect our game next season?

Gilberto: Everybody is anxious about the new ground. I am looking forward to seeing more supporters having a chance to watch us play. It’s very important we say a proper goodbye to Higbury, though. We wanted to close this moment with the Premiership, but…

Did you know?: Some great questions. Keep them coming guys! But please try and keep them in English. Thank you.

Did you know?: In 2004/05 the Brazilian featured in Arsenal’s first six Premiership matches but his appearance against Bolton Wanderers FC on 18 September was his last for over six months as a back injury threatened to end his season. He eventually returned in the 4-1 win against Norwich City FC on 2 April, however, and appeared in both the FA Cup semi-final and the final as the north London outfit overcame Manchester United FC on penalties to lift the trophy.

pete: England will beat Brazil if we play you. Do you agree?

Gilberto: I hope England don’t beat us. I am sure the English will be playing with double motivation if they face us. But nobody will win the Cup before the games are played. Neither Brazil, nor England. Just remember France and Argentina in 2002…

Mili BiH gooner: Who is your football idol?

Gilberto: Zico, Baresi and Cerezzo.

Withnail: Do you practice shooting in training?

Gilberto: I try to practice as many different aspects as possible. There is no specific drill. Because I need as many resources as possible im my position.

Did you know?: A latecomer to international football, the combative central midfield player featured in every minute of Brazil’s seven matches at Korea/Japan and it was his ability to subdue opposition midfields in the holding role which allowed his more creative team-mates the freedom to express themselves. However, he was left out of Brazil’s squad for the Copa América in summer 2004.

Jon: What do u think of Spurs’ success this season?

George Jacob: What do you put the countless injuries arsenal players have had last season and this season to? Are the Arenal players not following a proper fitness routing to stay fit?

Gilberto: Injuries happen in football, especially at high level. I don’t think it has anything to do with our fitness routine. It’s more bad luck combined with the natural risk of the job.

Did you know?: Hey guys! Send in your top three memories of Gilberto and we will publish the best three!

Gilberto: About Spurs… I am not happy, for sure. They are going through a good spell, but we will catch them in the end.

Y2G: Memory of Gilberto[/b]: scoring the 1st goal of 4 against PSV 3 years ago in the Champions League

Mauricio: I remember when a late strike by you gave arsenal a 1-1 draw against bolton wanderers!

Jason Lee for fruit president: What is the difference between Henry’s style of captaincy and that of Vieira?

Gilberto: They have different personalities and Patrick had the captaincy for several seasons, while this is Thierry’s first.

ash: Is there a special feeling when you hear the champions league music?

vinnydodgers: Tell me about Cicinho.You have played wiht him and against him,Does he have the potential to become the player that,say,Cafu, has been?Also congratulations from a Manchester United fan, on last nights result.

Gilberto: It’s a nice tune. Gives you chills and creates that Champions League feeling.

Did you know?: Okay guys. Just a few more questions. Here is you chance to send a goodluck message to Gilberto ahead of the second leg against Real Madrid CF!

JaysonG: Memory of Gilberto[/b]: The goal against Liverpool on his Debut in the Community Shield

HighburyHero: Which game for Arsenal has been your favourite and why?

Gilberto: Yesterday’s match is obviously one of them. But I also have fond memories of that PSV game in the 2002/03 season, when I scored my first European goal and the fastest in Champions League history.

tzuik: Good luck Gunners!!!!

dan: Tell me about Cicinho.You have played wiht him and against him,Does he have the potential to become the player that,say,Cafu, has been?Also congratulations from a Manchester United fan, on last nights result.

Gilberto: He’s been playing well even before moving to Madrid. Cicinho has the potential to replace Cafu someday but it won’t be easy, for Cafu has such a huge history in the National Team. Thanks for the congratulations, by the way.

Goose: Pittsburgh Steelers Fan saying goodluck to the Gunners! If we can do it so can you.

Elvin: Again congratulations with great victory on real madrid..

Gilberto: Thanks for the questions, lads. Keep on supporting Arsenal!

HighburyHero: Good Luck for the rest of the season Gilberto, lets hope we have all of our players back to full fitness soon. Good luck for the rest of the Champions League campaign and also for getting into that important fourth place in the Premiership.

schmee: Good job Gilberto, from a Madrid fan, you were impressive, are you excited for this years world cup

ralle: you are the best man in Arsenal

RomanianGunnar: No one can beat us on highbury.Go gunners go

–End of Chat–

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