
Brazilian international Gilberto Silva says he will
consider leaving Arsenal at the end of the season if he fails to
break back into the first team.
The midfielder has struggled to hold down a regular place this
season with Arsene Wenger often preferring Mathieu Flamini ahead of
the Brazilian.
"I will wait until the end of the season and then make my
decision," said the 31-year-old Gilberto.
"If a good opportunity comes along then I don't see any other
option."
Gilberto also lost the club captaincy to William Gallas at the
start of the season and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given the
Brazilian just seven league starts all season.
Flamini has formed an impressive midfield partnership with Cesc
Fabregas to help Arsenal challenge at the top of the Premier League
and also help them reach the quarter-finals of the Champions
League.
Back in November Gilberto said he was happy to stay and fight
for his place, but it now appears he wants to leave at the end of
the current campaign.
Wenger signed Gilberto from Brazilian club side Atletico Mineiro
in 2002 after he impressed at the World Cup in Japan and South
Korea.
He still has a year to run on his current contract but has been
linked with Italian and Spanish clubs.
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