Gilberto after Arsenal deal

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has rejected rumours that he may be willing to leave the club by announcing to the press that he sees his future at Arsenal and wishes to sign a new contract with the Premiership league leaders.

"It is not just down to me, but it would be great if I extended my contract with the club and finish my career here," Gilberto said. "We will see if the club has the same feeling.

"I am not thinking about leaving the club now. I prefer to think that I have the condition to get back in the team. I will do my job, do my best to achieve that. This is what I have in mind."

Gilberto rubbished suggestions that his relationship with Wenger had been affected when the French coach chose William Gallas as Arsenal captain in pre-season and then asked the Brazil skipper to play out of position in central defence.

"This is not true. If I have said something to Arsene, it would never come out in the papers," Gilberto said. "I would go to him and speak to him face-to-face; we have great respect for each other.

"Everyone knows I am not 100 percent happy to be on the bench, that's normal but I am being professional and doing my job.

"I respect everybody in the squad, I respect him and I respect his decision. It's the only thing I can do."