Rio de Janeiro: Former Arsenal midfielder and Brazil World Cup winner Gilberto Silva has announced his retirement.
The 39-year-old had been sidelined since December 2013 when he aggravated a knee injury while playing for Atletico Mineiro, Xinhua reported.
“It’s a difficult decision but it’s a transition from the pitch to a new stage in my life,” Gilberto said.
“As much as it hurts, I also see it as a happy moment. I’ve had 20 great years and they can’t be taken away.”
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 without losing a match.
