Ex-Arsenal man give his verdict on Fabregas and Van Persie departures

Gilberto Silva and Robin van Persie during their time at Arsenal. Photo: Adam Davy/EMPICS Sport

Wednesday, February 27, 2013
1:10 PM

Gilberto Silva says he was not surprised by the departures of former Arsenal captains Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie in recent seasons.

Fabregas returned to boyhood club Barcelona in 2011 and was followed through the exit by Van Persie, who sealed his move to Manchester United last summer.

Brazilian midfielder Gilberto won two FA Cups and one Premier League title during his time in north London but the Gunners have struggled in recent years as key players have departed.

Gilberto says he always expected Fabregas to answer Barca’s call, while he puts Van Persie’s departure down to the Dutchman wanting a change of scenery.

“It doesn’t really surprise me that Cesc left in the end,” he told the official Arsenal Magazine.

“He was always going to be drawn towards Barcelona, as that is his home city and where he started his career.

“Maybe if it had been Real Madrid who had offered him a contract he would still be at Arsenal; but it was Barcelona, and he has his own story there.

He added: “Decisions on a career are down to the individual and this is what happened with Van Persie.

“Sometimes players decide they need to make a change and I guess that’s what happened with him.”