Premier League - Gilberto to sign for Greeks

Eurosport - Wed, 16 Jul 09:34:00 2008

Panathinaikos are set to make Gilberto Silva the highest paid player in Greek football by signing the Arsenal midfielder on a three-year contract.

FOOTBALL 2006-2007 Premiership Arsenal Gilberto Silva - 0

According to Greek sports radio station Sport FM, the Brazilian star is expected to arrive in Athens on Wednesday afternoon to complete a medical and put pen to paper on his contract which was agreed by the player's representatives last week.

He is then expected to be presented to the media on Thursday.

There is set to be a noisy reception for the arrival of the 31-year-old Brazil skipper, who is expected to arrive on a flight from London on Wednesday evening.

A late attempt by Everton to hijack Pana's bid for Gilberto failed when the player reportedly chose the club now coached by former Chelsea assistant coach Henk ten Cate over David Moyes' men due to their participation in the Champions League.

PAO president Nikos Pateras met with Gilberto's representatives last week and thrashed out a deal after making an offer of around £1million to Arsenal on Friday.

Barring any last-minute changes, the World Cup winner will ink a deal that will see him earn around £6million over the next three years, making him by far the best paid player in the country in a move which will cost Pana almost £8million in total.

Despite being made vice captain of Arsenal in 2006, Gilberto found himself on the fringes of the first team last season due to the presence of Cesc Fabregas and the emergence of Matthieu Flamini, who has since left the club but has been replaced by France midfielder Samir Nasri.

However, in the 29 appearances he did make last season, Gilberto showed that he still has plenty to offer.

After beginning his career in 1997 with America Mineiro, Gilberto moved to Atletico Mineiro three years later. He earned a starting berth in the Brazil team that won the 2002 World Cup.

His displays in Japan and Korea were rewarded by a move to Arsenal that summer and he went on to win one Premier League title and two FA Cups with Arsene Wenger's men.

Panathinaikos, who are currently in Austria for a training camp as part of their pre-season preparations, are also close to sealing the transfer of another Brazilian, the 27-year-old Fluminense right-back Gabriel, who is expected in Athens later this week to sign his contract.

Sporting Life / Eurosport

Comment 1 - 14 of 14

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  1. Gilberto joins Panathinaikos it's all Greek to me.

    From svenskaswedenzweden, on Mon 21 Jul 2:00AM

  2. Pitty, we will miss his experiences, he is one of our best player. We may miss him more when the season getting tough. We all remembered what happened last Feb. , imaging if we had few of our old guys there, we might had 1 or 2 bad games, but never 6,7 and 8 in a row, it costed our shampionship.

    From baohengyang, on Wed 16 Jul 10:56AM

  3. Everyone is saying Gilberto was not good anymore. What has Arsenal won without him Playing??? Since Viera left, Arsenal has not won anything. They have come close but like the special one says ALMOST IS NOTHING! Maybe Arsenal should be transformed into a football academy.

    From Tamn R, on Wed 16 Jul 8:18AM

  4. gilberto not very good in dm

    From faizal_utm21, on Wed 16 Jul 8:11AM

  5. Tobsoil, two seasons ago who was are vice-captain but was virtually captain for us(better than gallas), our top-scorer, our best player when were quite frankly poor. I wish him all the best of luck at panathakios. I hope we sign barry now.

    From risker (arsenalfan), on Wed 16 Jul 7:28AM

  6. it dosent matter arsenal sells GILBERTO we will make replacement with like Malouda

    From kcdc486, on Wed 16 Jul 7:26AM

  7. i'm an arsenal fan and gilberto is past his time. arsenal did great without gilberto and look at the young talent arsenal is coming with this season.

    From singhasihakhom, on Wed 16 Jul 5:17AM

  8. Arsene's attitude cost gilberto his place in first 11!he will thrive at greece where he will be appreciated and encoouraged to play his own game.He may be 31,but still has plenty to offer.Good luck to gilberto.

    From sam c, on Wed 16 Jul 2:30AM

  9. Arsenal is going to suck.....oh thats right they already do suck.

    From pgmyers1, on Wed 16 Jul 2:20AM

  10. haah haah.....Arsenal is going to suck.

    From pgmyers1, on Wed 16 Jul 2:18AM

  11. I agree Tobsoil your a penis... Gilberto Silva was one of the best midfielders in the premiership, yes he was getting old but how many people do you know who struggled to get a game at thier club but was still good enough to captain their country.

    Highest player in greek football, that says it all... Farewell to ANOTHER Arsenal LEGEND...

    He joins the ranks of Viera, Bergkamp, Henry, Wrighty, Smith, Rocastle etc. etc.... too many to mention.

    Arsenal creates Legends and Heroes, and will continue to do so.

    From Andy, on Wed 16 Jul 1:46AM

  12. its a shame gilberto left but as usual with wenger if your over 30 its goodbye i hope he replaces him with good proven quality

    From alvin_alvink, on Wed 16 Jul 1:25AM

  13. Tobsoil
    you need to show respect!!
    I wish Gilburto the best of luck and thank him for his contribution to Arsenal over the years

    From Alex F, on Wed 16 Jul 12:48AM

  14. he his past it!!

    From Tobsoil, on Wed 16 Jul 12:24AM
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