Gilberto grateful for Brazil omission
Gilberto was overlooked for selection by Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira for the tournament in France, with the likes of Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Rivaldo also omitted.
The South American concedes he is happy to be given the chance to rest during the summer, although he was mildly suprised by Parreira's decision.
"I am surprised," admitted Gilberto. "But also it is a positive surprise. All I know is that, soon after the World Cup, I played for Arsenal without having done an adjusted preparation - the famous pre-season.
"Not to have prepared myself correctly demanded a lot of effort on my part. I believe that the technical commission of the Brazilian team have made a correct decision in saving me.
"It showed intelligence and a human side. I will be able to rest better and to do a well-planned daily pre-season."
Parreira has initially selected 11 overseas-based players in his squad for the Confederations Cup and the warm-up friendly against Nigeria in Abuja on June 11.
The experienced coach will name the home-based players next week and is expected to call up no more than two players from any individual team.
Among those already picked are Bordeaux's Eduardo Costa and Valencia's Fabio Aurelio and Parreira outlined his selection policy.
"We do not call the players who are in need of a vacation, as in the case of the footballers of Real Madrid, such as Ronaldo, who play until June 22," said Parreira.
"I am not going to explain each name of the selection. Eduardo Costa was called by Scolari and Fabio Aurelio played in an Olympic match. The two are known.
"This is something natural (calling no more than two players from a team) because of the Brazilian championship, Libertadores Cup and Brazil Cup."
In the Confederations Cup in France, Brazil have been drawn in Group B which contains the United States, Cameroon and World Cup foes Turkey.
Brazil Squad thus far:
Dida, Belletti, Fabio Aurelio, Juan, Lucio, Roque Junior, Emerson, Eduardo Costa, Ronaldinho, Ze Roberto, Adriano.
