Gilberto: 'I'm very confident Arsenal can win something this season'

Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva is confident that the Gunners can win silverware this season and believes that manager Arsene Wenger will extend his 16-year stay at the club.

The former Brazilian international enjoyed six successful seasons with Arsenal where he won the Premier League as part of the Invincibles side, in addition to lifting two FA Cups.

Gilberto now plays for boyhood club Atletico Mineiro after 11 years away from Brazil, winning a first ever Copa Libertadores title with the club in the summer of 2013. The 37-year-old admits he is still a massive Arsenal supporter.

“I watched them against Hull [where they won 2-0] and they played a really nice game and very good football,” he told talkSPORT’s Drive Time show.

“It’s what we expect from them and I hope this year they can win the league. I’ll be here cheering them on and supporting them from outside England.

“They have the chance this year because they are doing very well at the moment. It’s important after December and when they start January that they keep playing well, strong as they are and united as they are.

“It will be very crucial but I am very confident they can achieve it this year.”

The midfielder, who made 170 appearances during his time at Arsenal, revealed that he is confident French tactician Wenger will stay at the club beyond his contract which expires next summer.

“I expect him [Wenger] to stay. He knows the club very well, more than anyone else. I do believe he’ll stay.”