Gilberto has revealed his
shock at vice-chairman David Dein's abrupt departure from Emirates
Stadium, whilst holding out hope that the 'Arsenal icon' could yet
return to the club in the future.
Dein's exit shocked both fans and players alike on Wednesday as he
vacated his position on the Gunners board after apparently clashing
with his fellow shareholders over whether to welcome new investment
from Stan Kroenke.
The American billionaire has since increased his stake in the club
to 12.19 per cent to fuel speculation that he could be preparing a
hostile takeover, with rumours circulating that he could unite with
Dein and attempt to wrest control of the North London side.
Now Gunners midfielder Gilberto has admitted he would be keen to
seen Dein return in an official capacity after becoming such a
central figure in the club's success over the past 20 years.
"Arsene [Wenger] and Mr Dein are Arsenal icons," said Gilberto in
The Star. "When you mention the club, they are the first two people
you think about.
"But maybe the situation can change and Mr Dein can come
back.
"Nobody knew anything about this or expected this to happen and
everyone was upset.
"It has hurt everyone. Mr Dein loved the club and his heart is
still here. He was a massive presence in the dressing room and we
will still feel that presence."
Questions have been raised over Wenger's future in the wake of
Dein's departure, as it was the former director who recruited the
Frenchman in 1996 and helped implement his highly-successful
transfer policy.
However, Wenger insisted on Friday that he will see out his current
contract, even if he refused to speculate on his position beyond
2008.
Gilberto admits that his fellow team-mates are in the dark over
Wenger's future intentions at present.
"It is difficult to know something about Arsene because he never
tells the players about what he is going to do," Gilberto
added.
"From what I have seen in my five years here, he loves the club and
has a very good relationship with other people here, including
those on the board.
"He will miss Mr Dein because he had a very good relationship with
him."