GILBERTO SILVA has blasted Didier Drogba for claiming Arsenal are
no longer title challengers.
Chelsea striker Drogba reckons the Gunners will struggle following
Thierry Henrys move to Barcelona.
But Brazil midfielder Gilberto set to be named Emirates skipper
next season reacted furiously to Drogbas comments.
Speaking while on Copa America duty in Venezuela, Gilberto, 30,
rapped: So Drogba said were already out of the title race, did
he? Well, lets wait and see what happens.
What I do know is last season Chelsea spent a fortune on new
signings and still couldnt beat Arsenal once in the league.
They didnt defend their title either, so I think Drogba is
talking a little bit too much.
Croatia hitman Eduardo da Silva, who was born in Brazil, has been
rushed in as Henrys replacement and Gilberto likes the
purchase.
He added: We played against him in the Champions League. He
appears to be a good player and a great striker but well have to
see how he settles in and adapts to English football.
I think he could do well. It will also be excellent to have
someone in the team who speaks Portuguese.
Well lose a heck of a lot without Henry. He was our main player,
the captain, the top scorer.
Its true that replacing him will be no simple task. But we cant
go through the kind of spell as we did when Patrick Vieira went to
Italy.
He was the leader of the squad and it took us time to adapt to
playing without him. We dont want that again.
The Premiership is braced for a Brazilian invasion next term with
Anderson at Manchester United, Alex at Chelsea and Lucas at
Liverpool.
Gilberto added: That means the Brazilians here have done a good
job and opened the doors for others to come.
Anderson, Alex and Lucas are great players. I wish them all the
luck in the world. Except against Arsenal, that is!
Aw,a TRUE capt
