Former Brazil captain Gilberto seeks new contract

Rio De Janeiro, Jan 12 (IANS) Former Brazil and Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva admited his future was uncertain having yet to renew his contract with Atletico Mineiro.

Speaking upon his return to Brazil after a holiday in London, the 37-year-old said he hoped to agree to terms with the Brazilian club this week, Xinhua reported Sunday.

"We still haven't spoken. It's the first time in my life that I have ended a contract without having another offer on the table," Gilberto said. "But I'm not worried. I hope to speak to the club this week."

Gilberto, who joined the Belo Horizonte outfit last year, has also had spells at Panathinaikos and Gremio since leaving Arsenal in 2008.

He helped Atletico to victory in last year's Copa Libertadores and believes he still has something to offer the club.

"My priority is to stay at Atletico, now it's up to the club to make a decision," Gilberto said.

Gilberto showed his desire to maintain peak fitness by accepting an invitation from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to train with the Gunners during his holiday.

"It's always good to go back to Arsenal," Gilbeto said. "It's my home in Europe. To go back to the club, see old friends and absorb everything that I experienced is always special. I thought I was only going back to visit but I ended up training there. It was great to relive some great memories."

Gilberto played every match in Brazil's triumphant 2002 World Cup campaign and captained the Selecao to victory at the 2006 Copa America.

He was also a member of Arsenal's 2003-04 "Invincibles", who won the English Premier League title without losing a match.

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