The Brazilian midfielder starred for the Gunners along with Patrick Vieira, with the north London outfit still searching for an appropriate successor.
Gilberto Silva admits Arsenal’s attempts to replace him in the center of the park have been”painful” occasionally, with the Gunners still seeking suitable successors to’Invincibles’ heroes.
Back in 2003-04, Arsene Wenger oversaw an unbeaten Premier League season in north London.
The likes of Thierry Henry and Robert Pires provided attacking inspiration at a star-studded side, but it was Gilberto and Patrick Vieira that added graft to decide on the guile.
Arsenal moved away from this strategy during the latter years of Wenger’s reign, with Emirates Stadium stocked with creative ball players.
The likes of Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi have been obtained in an attempt to find more sting, but Gilberto nonetheless sets the standard for some 16 years after the Gunners’ last name succeed.
“It is nice when folks talk about me and remember me,” the Brazilian told Planet Football.
“Of course, I am not too proud concerning the concept that they never replaced me, but I feel proud that people think about me favorably, in spite of the fact that it is a long time since I left the club. This is an excellent feeling.
“But, you know, from what I have observed during the last couple of decades, it is quite accurate, because me and Patrick Vieira particularly had a terrific partnership and I have not seen Arsenal substitute this.
“I think it’s been quite painful for the group to not have stability in this position. They’re paying a high cost, but I hope at some point they find someone who will fill the gap.”
Arsenal are now working under the guidance of Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard after captained the club while Wenger was still calling the shots, with Gilberto trusting that a few of the Frenchman’s philosophies will be returned to the Emirates beneath his former charge.
The 2002 World Cup winner said of his ex-boss: “It was great to play under him. He was rather easy in how he would tell us exactly what to do but in a really effective way.
“He always went back to the basics to supply us with the best training sessions.
“He encouraged everyone to work hard and to believe in themselves and their skills but without forgetting what they need to perform as a group.
“I think his ability to get everybody on the same page was hugely significant to maintaining that level of competitiveness to get the best results possible.”
