Leading by Example

It’s easy to see why Arsene Wenger values Gilberto Silva so highly. When he won the World Cup in 2002, he was one of very few Brazilian players who were on the field for the entire campaign. They call him ‘volante’ or the ‘invisible wall’, and ever since he signed for Arsenal in July of that year he has remained the perfect professional – loyal, responsible and, for all his massive achievements in the game, unassuming and refreshingly free from any trace of arrogance.

It is typical of him that in Thierry Henry’s absence he should quietly let it be known how very proud he is that the manager has entrusted him with the captain’s armband, but when you consider his ability and his character, it must have been the simplest decision to make.