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Football London
Football London
Sport
Josh Challies

The surprise Arsenal Invincibles omissions from Gilberto Silva's all-time XI

Arsenal hero Gilberto Silva has selected his all-time XI but has not included a single member of his teammates during the Gunners' Invincibles campaign.

The Brazilian spent six years in North London, lifting the Premier League and two FA Cups, as well as finishing as a runner-up in the Champions League back in 2008.

His triumph in England saw him play a key part in the Invincibles side of 2003-04, which went the entire season unbeaten as part of a record 49-match unbeaten streak.

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However, despite playing alongside some of the greatest players in Arsenal's illustrious history, he did not select a single teammate from his time at Highbury and the Emirates Stadium.

In goal, Gilberto selected Brazilian stopper Claudio Taffarel, who won the World Cup with the South American giants in 1994 and earned over 100 caps for his nation.

The Brazilian theme continues in defence, with Cafu and Roberto Carlos in the full-back roles alongside Juan, joined by Italian icon Franco Baresi - with Ashley Cole, Lauren, Sol Campbell and Kolo Toure missing out.

In a three-man midfield, Silva included himself alongside Brazilian greats Zico and Ronaldinho - omitting Patrick Vieira from his selection.

And despite playing with Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, his XI continued to be dominated by South Americans as he finished off his team with Ronaldo, Pele and Diego Maradona.

Silva's all-time XI: Claudio Taffarel; Cafu, Juan, Franco Baresi, Roberto Carlos; Gilberto Silva, Zico, Ronaldinho; Ronaldo, Pele, Diego Maradona

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