Arsenal's Gilberto is disappointed at failing to lure Robinho to North London.
Arsenal midfielder Gilberto has revealed his disappointment at seeing Brazilian international team-mate Robinho move to Real Madrid, after trying to convince him of the attractions of Highbury.The immensely gifted starlet has made an immediate impression at Santiago Bernabeu after his move from Santos, and Arsenal missed out on his signature as they endured a frustrating summer in the transfer market.
The forward, inevitably handed the tag of 'the new Pele', has been hailed as the saviour of the trophy-starved galacticos in the Spanish capital, although Gilberto insists the wonderkid would have enjoyed an even more divine reputation if he had taken his advice and moved to Highbury.
"I was in touch with Robinho many times before he signed for Real Madrid," Gilberto is quoted as saying in the News of the World.
"I told him to come over, at Arsenal he'd have been a god.
"He could have come to England and been one of a kind, but he has gone to Real where he will be one of a group."
Arsenal were dismayed at missing out on adding Robinho to the pantheon of talented young stars Arsene Wenger has assembled at Highbury, although the North London side still have emerging stars such as Arturo Lupoli to look to.
The Italian hit-man has taken the reserves by storm and Ipswich boss Joe Royle is keen to hand him an extended run of first team football at Portman Road.
However, the Championship side are also monitoring a number of other potential loan stars as they look to reverse their poor early season form.
"Lupoli is the kind of player we are thinking in terms of," said Royle. "But there are also two others who we are also considering."
