Arsenal now have ‘power, strength' to compete on all fronts, says Gunners' legend Gilberto Silva
SINGAPORE – There are not many footballers who can say that they have been a part of two iconic football teams, at club and international level.
Gilberto Silva is one of the few.
As the midfield lynchpin of the 'Invincibles' Arsenal side that lifted the 2003-04 English Premier League title and 2002 World Cup winners Brazil, he knows what a winning team need.
And the 48-year-old believes Arsenal's new-look midfield has what it takes to compete on multiple fronts in the coming season.
This summer, the Gunners signed Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for around £55 million (S$95 million) and the Spaniard is expected to be part of Arsenal's new-look midfield trio with Declan Rice and club captain Martin Odegaard.
'They have a lot of quality (and) offer power and strength in the middle. This is what the club need, because the Premier League is so competitive,' Gilberto told The Straits Times on July 22 at Molly Malone's Irish Pub, where Arsenal announced a multi-year global partnership with Guinness at an event attended by over 300 local supporters.
'Arsenal are back in the Champions League, and they are going to face many challenges again. Last year they had a great campaign (reaching the semi-finals) , and I hope this year they can get through to the final, and why not win it?
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat
Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22
Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking
Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders
Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide
Singapore Woman evacuated from lift in Supreme Court building after falling glass triggers emergency halt
Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments
Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving
'It is what, as a fan, we expect and hope that the midfield (players) can do a great job. Because when you control this part of the field, it is so important for the development of the game and for the results.'
Gilberto, who starred in Arsenal's historic 2003-04 EPL triumph, joined Arsenal in August 2002 from Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro and also won the FA Cup twice with the North London side, in 2003 and 2005.
Now an ambassador for the club, Gilberto, like fellow Arsenal fans, has endured the pain of seeing the Gunners finish second in the league for three consecutive seasons.
Last season, Odegaard, defenders Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes and attackers Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka all missed parts of the campaign through injuries and Arsenal sputtered to the finishing line, winning just five of their final 13 league games.
The additions of Zubimendi, another midfielder in Christian Norgaard from Brentford, and winger Noni Madueke from Chelsea, are indications that Arsenal have gleaned lessons.
Gilberto believes the club should continue to build their squad depth ahead of the new season.
'There is a way for the club to look forward and improve the squad in terms of quality players,' said the Brazilian.
'When we have so many games in the season, there are a lot of things you cannot predict. For example, with injuries last year, Arsenal suffered quite a lot. Some important players got injured, which cost them a lot.
'But you need quality players not only in the first XI, but players that can come in during the match... (and) keep the same quality and intensity, because it is so important to have the consistency during the season.'
Another of Gilberto's former teams that have struggled with the weight of expectation are Brazil, who were eliminated in the quarter-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
But Gilberto hopes that, just like the Gunners, Brazil can get their hands on the trophy in 2026.
The Selecao qualified for the 2026 World Cup in North America with a 1-0 win over Paraguay in June, in what was Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti's first victory as Brazil coach.
Gilberto said Ancelotti – appointed in May – has the experience to deal with the expectations.
The 66-year-old has led AC Milan and Real Madrid to the Champions League title and has also won domestic league honours in England, Germany, France, Spain and Italy.
'When you are manager of Brazil, you are under a huge amount of pressure, but with his experience, he can handle everything, and I'm sure he's going to do a great job. And I hope that they achieve the title (in 2026),' said Gilberto.
With a squad featuring players from some of the best teams in the world, he is confident Brazil will perform well in North America – if they show heart as well.
'One important aspect when you play for the national team is that you have to be proud to be there, because not many good players had an opportunity to wear that shirt. Once you are there, you have to be like a soldier who goes to a war to fight for the country. This is what we expect from them.'
Gilberto will be in stands at the National Stadium alongside the Arsenal fans when the Gunners' pre-season tour of Asia begins against Italian giants AC Milan on July 23.
The Gunners will conduct an open training session on July 25 at the same venue, before facing English League Cup holders Newcastle United two days later.
Gilberto is thankful that his former side gets to visit this part of the world, saying: 'It's a good way to make a connection with the fans around the world. I really enjoy it.
'The only tough thing sometimes is just the first few days because of the time difference, but then we adapt and we have the love of everyone.
'Everyone feels happy and we enjoy that.'
Tickets to the Singapore Festival of Football are available at .
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
'Lucky' De Minaur saves three match points to lift Washington Open title
Alex De Minaur rallied from a set down and saved three match points to claim the Washington Open title with a 5-7 6-1 7-6(3) win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the final of the ATP 500 event on Sunday. The Australian number one, who lost the 2018 final to Alexander Zverev, felt he rode his luck to secure his 10th career title and ensure he will enter the top 10 in the world rankings ahead of next month's U.S. Open. The two 26-year-olds exchanged breaks early in the opening set before Spain's Davidovich Fokina seized control by breaking again and closed out the set with the help of some crisp forehand winners. De Minaur responded emphatically in the second set, converting two of four break-point opportunities while holding serve throughout, wrapping up the set in just over 30 minutes with an ace to level the contest. The Spaniard looked on course for his first career title when he broke to grab the lead in the decider but he failed to serve out the match at 5-3, sending a forehand long to hand the break back to seventh seed De Minaur. Davidovich Fokina's frustration mounted as the 12th seed squandered three match points on De Minaur's serve, and the Australian then capitalised on a series of unforced errors in the tiebreak to edge the contest. "I came here in 2018 and it gave me so much confidence, so I'm so happy that I was able to come back and end up winning the title," De Minaur said at the trophy presentation. "Alejandro, you're way too good not to have one of these, it's coming for sure," he added, gesturing to the trophy. "You deserved it today, I just got lucky. You are a hell of a competitor, hell of a player. No one on the tour wants to play you. And this is not the end, this is only going on for you." Davidovich Fokina recalled that he had required a wild card to play in the U.S. capital last year and was pleased to have at least guaranteed a rise to a career high world number 19 when the rankings are updated on Monday. "He deserved the win, he was fighting every ... ball, he was always pushing through my limits," Davidovich Fokina said. "We had a job to do before we started the year, to be at the middle of the year in the top 20. This week we did it, just not with the trophy. But for sure, we will keep going, pushing our limits, pushing harder." REUTERS

Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Straits Times
Bonmati crushed after Spain's shootout defeat by England
Spain playmaker Aitana Bonmati cut a disconsolate figure as she picked up her Player of the Tournament award at Euro 2025 on Sunday, minutes after her side finished as runners-up after losing a penalty shootout to England in the final. Bonmati bounced back from a meningitis scare ahead of the tournament to play a crucial role in Spain's progress to the final. However, on Sunday Spain struggled to unlock the England defence and Bonmati missed her spot-kick in the shootout as she slumped to another painful defeat following her club side Barcelona's Champions League final loss to Arsenal in May. "It's hard to see you right now," she told reporters. "Two months ago I found myself in this situation with the club. You have to value more when things are going well, we have been better on the pitch, not on penalties," she said. The 27-year-old apologised to the Spanish people for not being able to deliver a victory against an England side that was no match for them in terms of skill, but who refused to give up. "I assume my part of my responsibility, I play for the team and for many more people. There is no point in playing a better game and missing penalties," she said. "For me, England is a team capable of not playing well and winning. There are teams that don't need much to win." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Sewage shaft failure linked to sinkhole; PUB calling safety time-out on similar works islandwide Singapore Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole did not happen overnight: Experts Singapore Workers used nylon rope to rescue driver of car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole Asia Singapore-only car washes will get business licences revoked, says Johor govt World Food airdropped into Gaza as Israel opens aid routes Sport Arsenal beat Newcastle in five-goal thriller to bring Singapore Festival of Football to a close Singapore Benchmark barrier: Six of her homeschooled kids had to retake the PSLE Asia S'porean trainee doctor in Melbourne arrested for allegedly filming colleagues in toilets since 2021 England took the chance they were offered and though Spain found themselves on the losing side, Bonmati was philosophical. "We haven't lost a game (in 90 minutes), we have received support and I feel bad about that too. We have won off the field of play and that is valuable too," she explained, before promising to come back stronger. "We are a trained team, we have already shown that we know how to overcome. We hope to reach (Euro) 2029 at full capacity and try again." REUTERS

Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Straits Times
Kelly a fitting hero in England's gritty Euro victory
Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Final - England v Spain - St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland - July 27, 2025 England's Chloe Kelly celebrates with the trophy and teammates after winning the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY MANCHESTER, England - It almost felt like football fate when Chloe Kelly stepped up to the penalty spot on Sunday against Spain, with the chance to make history for England in clinching their second consecutive women's European Championship title. The 27-year-old, who had been doubtful to make Sarina Wiegman's Euros team only six months ago, did her trademark run-up, lifting her left leg and skipping onto her right, before launching a powerful shot into the top corner. "Incredible game of football. I just came onto the pitch and wanted to make something happen," Kelly said. "Of course, taking the penalty, I actually missed three in training yesterday, (but) it's the belief in this squad, I'm really proud to be English right now and proud to be part of an amazing group of girls." Kelly was the hero in England's 2022 victory at Wembley, scoring in extra time before famously twirling her shirt above her head in celebration. She came to the Lionesses' rescue several times in Switzerland, scoring in the shootout in their quarter-final victory over Sweden, and smashing home her own rebound of a missed penalty against Italy in the semis. "I was cool, I was composed and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don't miss penalties twice," she said of her winning spot-kick. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Sewage shaft failure linked to sinkhole; PUB calling safety time-out on similar works islandwide Singapore Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole did not happen overnight: Experts Singapore Workers used nylon rope to rescue driver of car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole Asia Singapore-only car washes will get business licences revoked, says Johor govt World Food airdropped into Gaza as Israel opens aid routes Sport Arsenal beat Newcastle in five-goal thriller to bring Singapore Festival of Football to a close Singapore Benchmark barrier: Six of her homeschooled kids had to retake the PSLE Asia S'porean trainee doctor in Melbourne arrested for allegedly filming colleagues in toilets since 2021 Kelly's Switzerland story is remarkable considering back in January there were doubts she would make the Euros squad. She was barely playing for Manchester City and made a public plea to leave the club. She called them "dark days". Kelly's plea worked as she spent the rest of the season on a successful loan spell with Arsenal. "I'm so grateful to be out the back end," Kelly said. "But if that's a story to tell someone that maybe experiences something the same that tough times don't last. "Thank to everyone who wrote me off. I'm grateful." Wiegman wrapped the crying Kelly in a long embrace. "Everybody brings something different and she brings this," Wiegman said. "She has been fighting to come back and to be at her highest level. She really wanted to take that penalty of course, and celebrate that." Kelly did not wait long to celebrate. Before starting a television interview, she grabbed the mic to sing along to "Sweet Caroline" being belted out by the England crowd at St Jakob-Park. "It is going to be crazy," she said of the reception back home. "I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it." The Lionesses, who lost to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final, have talked about legacy in Switzerland. "It's a huge moment. Every girl out there with that dream – you can do it," she said. "Keep shooting for the stars." REUTERS