Brazilian midfielder Gilberto feels Arsenal need to win a trophy this year after three seasons without any silverware - but thinks their barren spell may continue.
The 31-year-old ended his six-year spell with the Gunners earlier this month, agreeing a move to Panathinaikos having struggled to hold down a first-team place last season.
Gilberto's departure followed the exits of Mathieu Flamini and Alexander Hleb while speculation continues about the future of star striker Emmanuel Adebayor.
With Manchester United and Chelsea having dominated the domestic scene since Arsenal's last title in 2004, Gilberto is hoping Arsene Wenger's side can build on an improved showing last term.
"This is what they need to achieve - start to win things," he told Arsenal TV Online.
"Of course there is massive pressure on them but people cannot forget they are still a young side and they have a lot to improve, to grow and to learn, but it will be very important to them if they win something this year.
"I am sure everyone at the club, Arsene, his staff, the players will do the maximum they can to achieve and win titles. This is the target and they won't change it.
"But it will be hard again. It won't be easy because the other teams are stronger than last year and Arsenal will have a hard season but I am confident they will handle it. I hope they can win this year."
Gilberto could face an early return to the Emirates if Panathinaikos are drawn in the same Champions League group as the Gunners.
But despite the warm tributes paid to him by Arsenal fans, the World Cup winner would not relish an immediate reunion.
"I hope not but I think if it happens it will be very emotional for me after leaving the club and playing against them in the first season with another club," he continued.
"It is possible. We need to consider that but both of the teams need to qualify first, but I am sure Arsenal will qualify and Panathinaikos will. We will see in the draw."
He added: "It is amazing, in the last few days I read some comments of the fans and it made me feel very good.
"It will be nice on my return to Emirates. I don't know when it will be but I hope I will get a nice reception from them like it has always been."
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Comment 1 - 8 of 8
Just as you have said good things about Arsenal (your former club) so Arsenal and her fans are saying good things about you in Panathinaikos and around you. Our hearts are with you and will remain with you wherever you find yourself and family. You have shown class as a professional footballer and as a man. If other footballers who call themselves professionals could borrow a leave from you, it would be nice. But they - people like Hlep, etc - won't. I know it is painful leaving a club you have worked for, for so long, their love and everything therein, but you must move on as a professional. I am really enthused for you to turn back and say better things about Arsenal and her people. God bless you, better future, health and long life, all to you and family, Amen.
jmary4, care to explain to me why Gunner is spelled as GOONER? I've seen it several times, but I just don't get it... thanks.
I love you so much Gilberto, i know you are gonna have a wonderful spell at pana..you are truly a GOONER for life...i wish the best....2nde
If only more players could show respect for their former club instead of the rubbish
Hleb is spouting.The difference always shows between someone (GILBERTO) who has real
class and respect than someone(HLEB) who thinks he has.
MIDLANDS GOONER
0
ever faithful ever sure! that is the spirit. wish your former club well and not to rubbish them making you great. TH has always kept his heart in arsenal and he is open about and that hleb feels so important. let him take belarus to WC and we can now begin to say something about him. Gilberto is the man, a die hard arsenal man and he will back to the emirates to receive his award from the fans. goodluck gilberto. you are the man.
this is the diference betwin great people and trash people(see adebayor & hleb)
he will always be loved by the gunners
im sure that for gilberto it was much harder last year then to hleb
Class player, class man in fact an all round class act. It is refreshing in this day and age for a player to say nice things about a club on exit. Then again, it is nothing more than expected from such a fine individual. Gilberto will always remain in the minds of true Arsenal supporters as a player who always gave 100% every time he stepped on the pitch. Thank you and good luck in your future career.
Gilberto was a class player for us.
its a shame that last year he got a bench spot, he had really stepped up to the plate for us the previous year
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