Former Arsenal captain Gilberto
feels the club 'made a mistake' by allowing experienced players to
leave the Emirates.
Gilberto's six-year stay in North London came to an end last
summer after he was sold to Greek side Panathinaikos.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger also saw midfielders Mathieu Flamini
and Alexander Hleb depart, as he planned to allow his youthful
players to flourish.
However, the side have struggled his term, and they risk losing
out on UEFA Champions League qualification following the emergence
of Aston Villa.
Gilberto, 32, is of the belief that Arsenal are currently paying
the price for a lack of experience amongst their ranks, although he
is hopeful they will improve as the term progresses.
He said in the Evening Standard: "I never fell out with
Arsene, whatever people say. I had to respect his decision even if
I disagreed with it.
"We had good conversations but, when it came to talking about
whether he still saw me as part of the team, it wasn't the
conversation I expected.
"Maybe, I thought, it was time to leave Arsenal. I understood
what the manager's idea was; he had so many good young players and,
if I was in the team, they wouldn't have the chance to
develop."
He continued: "It's only my opinion, and I could be proved
wrong, but I think Arsenal made a mistake letting some of the more
experienced players go.
"It would be good for the development of the younger players.
They're having to learn for themselves and that's hard.
"These players need to find that killer instinct. They can get
there but it takes time. I hope it comes quickly."