Arsenal News 24/7Writer: Amos 
Date:Wednesday July 30 2008
Time: 1:39AM
UK time is: 14:36:13
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Gilberto takes a swipe at mercenaries
The Telegraph reports our former Brazilian midfielder Gilberto at odds with Flamini and Hleb`s decision to follow their wallets away from the club.
"When you win things, you achieve more than anybody else. You get better contracts, and more money, anyway," he told the newspaper. "I can`t blame a player who wants a good contract. But I believe if they stay at the club, they can earn good money and do a lot for the club and themselves. So if they win something, it means more and they are more appreciated by supporters."
He believes that both players could ultimately regret their decisions. "I don`t know what the reason is for them leaving but they could have stayed. If it`s for money, I would think they`re wrong" he said. "Most of the players who leave miss the club for lots of reasons. The lifestyle at Arsenal is fantastic. You get so well looked after."
Gilberto spent 6 years with the club. He treated the club well and in response the club made sure that the 32-year-old could end his career on a lucrative and secure 3-year contract.
Dennis Bergkamp played out the last few years of his career at Arsenal on a succession of one-year contracts. He could perhaps have earned more money elsewhere but as his career came to an end he was able to benefit from a rewarding testimonial. A good part of which he donated to charity.
In pursuing the short term rewards some players are over looking the broader benefits of taking a longer view of their careers and the clubs they serve. Take a long term view of the club and the club will take a long term view of the player seems to be the message from Gilberto.
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Your Comments
I just hope Gilberto gets his own testimonial match in honour of him when he retires like Bergkamp did.
stukazufuss
oh gosh gilberto y u had to leave???? arsene give this man a testimonial.
akenyangunner
If there is one man who absolutely has a right to take a swipe at mercenaries, then it's Gilberto Silva. As someone who, unlike certain members of our squad, has actually won a fair few prestigious trophies, I'd say his opinion on this matter is pretty valuable too.
Little Dutch
A great servant at Arsenal. Don't thnk he should have a testimonial though, it should be reserved for players who serve 10 years or more. Be nice to see him involved in the club in the future though.
navydave
Carefull what you say dave. Calling him a servant is mighty close to calling him a slave......
paul_ownz
Is it just me or is seeing those interviews and footage of Hleb really starting to grate? Granted there is an element of reporters asking loaded questions and English not being his first language but he could simply just say no comment out of respect for Arsene, the Club and the fans. If he struggles to find a place in the starting lineup and Barca don't win anything, I will be very pleased!
Gooner_Vin
Interesting that these comments from Gilberto also immediately follow an interview Flamini gave to the Italian Press on Monday, whereby he said, "I had no doubts about coming here - it was an easy decision. Arsenal didn't leave me with the option of staying in London. Milan contacted me and immediately made me feel important." Which basically translates as, "Milan offered me more money than Arsenal." I love the "made me feel important" quote, Jesus H. How old are you mate, five? Did Berlusconi kiss the boo boo better for you? Interesting points to note, trophies won by Gilberto= World Cup, Copa America, Premiership (unbeaten), two F.A. Cups. Still didn't whine like a little baby when he lost his place in the side. Flamini was won one F.A. Cup (a win which scarsely involved him). Basically, Flamini should have felt important enough by usurping the infinitely more successful Gilberto in the side. If a player doesn't feel important for those reasons and defines feeling important in purely monetary terms, you really have to question his appetite for the game.
Little Dutch
Maybe a swipe, but delivered with the understated class that permeates this guy. Having met him briefly at an open day, I'd say there probably isn't a player in recent years to match his combination of composure, charm, and humility. An absolute gem and the best of luck to him.
Andy-bayor
I don't know what more I can say about Gilberto, other than just one word "respect". Respect has to be earned and he's earned it from every Gooner. What LD said about Flam's sense of importance is interesting. Apparently he's happy with the money and treatment he's been given at Milan. I wonder if he would wish he could get Ronaldinho's fireworks and 30,000+ fans waiting to see him just a few minutes at the San Siro ceremony. Gilberto, in stark contrast, thinks what's important is to "win something" with the club who "takes care of them" so well and that'll naturally enable him to make more money. Their value judgement - hence fans' memories of and level of respect for them - can't be more different. Now everytime I hear Gilberto speak, I listen with interest and fondness to an "Arsenal man", all the nice memories coming back. When I see Flam/Hleb quotes, I have a quick look and think of them as the club's former employees really.
Lou the Gunneress
Ol Bert will always have a place in my heart even if he was not one of my faves.
Tom14
Well Done Gilberto and good luck.. wish he had stayed on,
TeamSpirit
Good pro, good man but the time was right to go, what with the young crop of midfielders coming through.
MrArsenal
"Milan contacted me and immediately made me feel important." - I saw that quote and thought what a wuss! Poor baby, did the big bad Arsenal make you feel bad? arseblogger makes the point that the club's salaries are based on achievement. Flam and Hleb did not win anything for the club yet expected big raises nonetheless. And Hleb's conduct since arriving at Barca has been really classless.
jaelle
Gilberto is a class act. His last interview to ATVO is a must watch - such humility from such an accomplished player.
prits
LD "Did Berlusconi kiss the boo boo better for you? " I don't know what a Boo Boo is, but if any has a clip you could probably get a lot of money from a red top tabloid for it!
LondonGooner
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