Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva is being linked with a return to the Premiership this summer. It is hardly surprising as he has shown that he clearly still has what it takes to play at the highest level, especially as he is still first choice for the Brazilian national team who have many talented midfielders. As Gilberto is still performing at a high standard despite being 33-years-old, one has to as did he make a mistake in moving to Greece two years ago?

Gilberto started every single one of Brazil’s games in the World Cup and still looked the part.  The fact that a move to Panathinaikos, where he plays in much more inferior league to the rest of Europe hasn’t prevented him from representing Brazil must be a real testament to his ability. Yet had he decided to move to a more illustrious club instead of Panathinaikos then he could have potentially won more prestigious major honours in stronger leagues. Juventus were heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian midfielder in his last season at the club and given that they probably wouldn’t have said no to his services, then perhaps he should have given some real thought to a move there, instead of seeing out the last two years in Greece. It appears that his form at the World Cup has alerted clubs back in England to make a move for the towering Brazilian and provide him with one last hurrah in one of Europe's top leagues.

Let’s be honest Gilberto probably made the move to Athens for the extra zeros on the end of his pay check however that is his own choice if he wants to do that, but shouldn’t he of at least waited until he couldn’t handle the demands of a top league anymore? Here is a player, who for years was regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premiership when he played for Arsenal, he was unsung hero and Arsenal fans knew just how much he mattered to the team. In fact even after he left there were wide spread suggestions that the Gunners were missing his influence. He is a very elegant defensive midfielder and twice went 45 games or more without receiving a booking whilst playing for Arsenal.

Now the likes of Liverpool, Everton, Blackburn and Fulham have all believed to have been showing an interest in Gilberto Silva. It is believed that he wouldn’t cost too much either due to the financial problems in Greece having a bearing on Panathinaikos. If any of those clubs could obtain him for a small fee then he would be a fantastic signing, as he would bring a lot of experience to the teams and would give them a reliable and uncompromising presence in the midfield.

Do you think Gilberto Silva has wasted two years of his career?

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Click on image below to see the Argentinean babes at the World Cup