Gilberto moves to Panathinaikos <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Brazil midfielder Gilberto has ended his six-year stay at Arsenal by signing for Greek club Panathinaikos. The 31-year-old passed a medical and signed a three-year deal after Arsenal accepted an offer of around £1m. "I'm hungry to win more titles," said Gilberto, who has now become the highest-paid player in Greece. "I came to Greece because I have big ambitions, it's very important for me to be able to continue to give my best. I couldn't say no to the offer." Wenger signed Gilberto from Brazilian club side Atletico Mineiro in 2002 after he impressed at the World Cup. The midfielder quickly established himself in Wenger's side, making a total of 244 appearances for the club and scoring 24 goals. The Brazilian was also an integral part of the Gunners' side which won the Premier League in 2003/04 and won the FA Cup twice in 2003 and 2005. But he struggled to hold down a regular place in Arsene Wenger's side last season because of the emergence of Mathieu Flamini and the impact of Cesc Fabregas. He also lost the club captaincy to William Gallas. Gilberto was keen to join up with Panathinaikos boss Henk ten Cate, who left his post as Chelsea assistant coach at the end of last season. "I'm sure we will qualify through to the group stages of the Champions League," added Gilberto. "I'm exited about being a Panathinaikos player." The 31-year-old has followed AC Milan signing Flamini and Barcelona recruit Alexander Hleb out of the Emirates. The exodus means Wenger will now look to summer signing Samri Nasri and Abou Diaby to cement their places in midfield with £5m signing Wales teenager Aaron Ramsey a prospect for the future.</div>
I hate it when this happens, a player does well for the club but is forced out by ambition of the youngsters. But still with PAOK they will be out to make a point in the Champions League.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (man_u_barmy_army @ Jul 18 2008, 01:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I hate it when this happens, a player does well for the club but is forced out by ambition of the youngsters. But still with PAOK they will be out to make a point in the Champions League.</div> Its a good choice for Giberto. The Greek league is a very good one and always exciting to watch.
Been a very good player for Arsenal over the past 6 or so years. A bloody under-rated one as well. Flamini got the praise he deserved after years of graft whereas Gilberto just worked and worked and never really received any praise. During last season he was the only reason we didn't finish 5th.
