Player Profile

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is a man who rarely makes mistakes, but his decision to release midfield enforcer Gilberto in the summer of 2008 has left his team with a very soft centre in midfield.

The man who plays as in the Volante (defensive midfield) role for Brazil, has been sorely missed at the Emirates, but his new club Panathinaikos have reaped the benefits and he has helped them to a league and cup double this season.

He played 244 games for the Gunners and scored 24 goals after arriving from Atletico Mineiro for £4.5m in July 2002. In a six-year spell in North London he won the Premier League and two FA Cups.

He admits himself that he hardly fits the characteristic of a typical Brazilian footballer saying: “I'm not the type of player who dribbles, scores goals and does anything eye-catching,” but his role for the Seleção is vital.

He is seen by the Brazilian press as the embodiment of the Dunga regime for his no-nonsense, pragmatic style. A late bloomer, over half his caps have come after his 30th birthday.

He entered the 2002 World Cup expecting to play no more than a bit part role, but played every minute of every match as Brazil triumphantly lifted the trophy.

In the words of Brazilian magazine ‘Silva’ he: “carried the piano for Ronaldo and Rivaldo to play their tunes.” He missed the 2007 Copa America final through suspension, but won the 2009 Confederations Cup.

He put his football career on hold aged 16 in order to work in a sweet factory to support his ill mother. He is skilled on the mandolin and guitar and his favourite book is Who Moved My Cheese, a guide to self improvement by US guru Spencer Johnson.