There was an understandable air of excitement when Gilberto joined us in 2002.
A key figure in Brazil’s World Cup triumph, the midfielder arrived with plenty of pedigree and quickly established himself as a fan favourite after scoring the winner on his debut in the Community Shield and forming an integral part of our Invincibles.
Gilberto would go on to make 244 appearances for us over six years, scoring 24 goals, but remembers joining the club like it was yesterday.
“After the World Cup, when it happened, I got a phone call from my club saying that they had a few proposals for me to move,” he told Arsenal Player.
“At the time, it was between Arsenal, a German club and a Turkish club. I found out a bit of information about the three of them and made my decision to go to Arsenal.
“It was the best choice for me at that time and I had six fantastic years at the club. It was amazing.”
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