Former Arsenal and Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva announces retirement
Gilberto Silva played for sides including Brazil, Arsenal and Atletico Mineiro.
Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has confirmed his retirement.
Gilberto, 39, had been without a club since leaving Atletico Mineiro in 2013.
He told a news conference: "As of today, I have ended my career as an athlete. It's a difficult decision.
"Worldwide, we do not ask to be born. When we are born, we do not want to die. I've heard a phrase that says footballers die twice. I disagree. I think the football player dies once, and makes a transition from the field to a new stage. For me, it's a time of transition, not a first death.
"No matter how painful it may be -- it's a moment that could be seen as a sad, difficult time -- but I see it with great joy. I've enjoyed 20 years of great joy. That's what it has been for me and my family."
America-MG president Francisco Santiago recently told Superesportes that the former Brazil international is under consideration to become the Mineiro club's director of sport, although he stressed that there was "nothing concrete."
Gilberto began his career with America-MG in 1997 and moved to Atletico Mineiro in 2000, making his senior international debut the following year.http://www.espnfc.com/brazil/story/2752588/gilberto-silva-announces-retirement [ 此帖被g3rMan在2015-12-13 14:03重新編輯 ]
