Arsenal captain Gilberto Silva admits he has found it difficult to
watch Arsene Wenger's side storm to the top of the Barclays Premier
League while he kicks his heels on the bench.
Gilberto has endured a frustrating start to the new campaign and
with Cesc Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini in fine form in the centre
of midfield, the Brazilian has been forced to wait for his chance
to return to the side.
The midfielder, one of the Arsenal's stalwarts last term, has
started only four of the team's 11 unbeaten games in the current
campaign and just two in his established position in the
centre.
The Brazilian, 31 on Sunday, missed much of pre-season because of
his involvement in the Copa America but is determined to fight his
way back into the side and insists he respects Wenger's
decisions.
Gilberto said: "It has been so frustrating. I am on the bench not
because of quality or something like that, but because I came back
late.
"It is so hard. The only thing I need to do is do my job, respect
the manager's decision, respect the other players and the way they
play at the moment.
"When I have the opportunity I want to do the best I can for the
team like I have done but it's a slight difference compared to
other years. It is the first time I haven't been in the team. I
confess to you it has been so hard for me.
"I want to come back and play again in my position in central
midfield. You need to respect that Flamini and Cesc are playing
very well.
"It is visible to everybody and I need to respect the manager's
decision. I will do my best to return to the team. I will see in
the next few games what will happen.
"I'm the kind of player who accepts the bench. I respect everyone
but in my mind it doesn't work well. The only thing I can do is
work. It is down to me to me to manage the situation.
"It is very difficult but it is important I keep calm and keep my
mind very strong. I did all the things to get back in form and into
the team. I'm feeling good."
Meanwhile, the board of Arsenal Holdings have confirmed that a
positive meeting was held in London on Wednesday with Stan
Kroenke.
A statement from Arsenal read: "The meeting falls in line with the
club's intention to maintain an open dialogue with large
shareholders of Arsenal Football Club."
It is understood that the American billionaire is close to
finalising a marketing agreement with the club.
The Colorado Rapids, a Major League Soccer team owned by Kroenke,
have enjoyed an unofficial link since earlier this year but a new
deal is likely to be brokered shortly.
Kroenke was shown around the Emirates by managing director Keith
Edelman yesterday on what was the American's first visit to the
club. Kroenke's visit coincided with a number of business meetings
in Europe.
He is set to return to the capital later his month for the NFL game
between New York Giants and Miami Dolphins at Wembley on October 28
but its not expected to be at Arsenal's AGM 10 days earlier.