Arsenal signed Gilberto from Atletico MG for £4.5 million after he had won the World Cup with Brazil in Korea and Japan in 2002. He made an immediate impact, scoring the only goal in The FA Community Shield against Liverpool in Cardiff.

Gilberto then broke the record for the fastest ever goal in the Champions League when he scored in under 20 seconds at the Philips Stadium against PSV Eindhoven.

In The FA Cup Final last month, Gilberto won his first honour in England as Arsenal beat a spirited Southampton 1-0.

Gilberto Silva 

Nationality: Brazilian
Place of Birth: Lagoa da Prata, Brazil
Date of Birth: 07 October 1976
Height: 6' 03''
Weight: 12 07
Club: Arsenal
Position: Midfielder


Year

Club

Apps.

Goals

2000

Atletico Mineiro

1

0

2001

Atletico Mineiro

26

3

2002/03

Arsenal

35

0