After winning the 2002 World Cup with Brazil in South Korea and Japan, Gilberto Silva took one of the biggest steps of his successful career when he left Atlético Mineiro to join Arsene Wenger's Arsenal for £4.5 million.
Refusing the number six shirt of club legend Tony Adams, he gained the respect of the crowd and soon acquired Wenger's trust, quickly winning the title.
At Arsenal from 2002 to 2008, he won two FA Cups, two Community Shields and, of course, the title that fans so craved after a long absence: the Premier League.
Speaking with the experience of someone who has made history and has the full respect of the Arsenal crowd - even earning the nickname 'the Invisible Wall' - Gilberto is confident that this could finally be Arsenal's year once again.
"Arsenal are doing a good job after many difficulties. The club now has a consistent team that has been shaped over time, betting on young athletes and the work of the coach," says Silva in an exclusive interview with Flashscore.
"Arteta himself raised several doubts when he arrived, but the direction and the work are only gaining consistency because he has the support of the leaders and the CEO of the club.
"It's no use hiring without giving adequate time and the necessary support."
The former player, who now lives in Portugal, continued to praise Mikel Arteta's work, noting the resilience of the coach since changes in the work philosophy of an English club are always difficult to make. The Spaniard persisted.
"Even with the difficulties, he (Arteta) implemented his way of working. A lot needs to be changed when you come from a long tradition.
"You have to have nerves of steel to deal with external pressure - from the press and the fans - to get the result," the former Arsenal captain explained.
The time is now
Gilberto Silva is confident that this could be the right moment for the London club to win. But he stressed the importance of maintaining concentration, especially as the pressure for results will start to increase round after round.
"The club arrived at an excellent moment, having a well-assembled squad, a young group and has great possibilities of breaking this run.
"From now on, the pressure starts to increase, City has already won, and reduced the gap, but then Arsenal beat Manchester United and the leadership continues.
"I hope everything goes well. It's what Arsenal needs to consolidate, to reduce the pressure. A team with the weight of Arsenal's shirt needs to be champions."
Forever a gunner
Once a gunner, always a gunner. Gilberto carries this motto with pride. The club is in his heart and remembering the golden times makes him relive his intense relationship with North London and the great battles fought on the English fields.
To Flashscore, he also spoke about the proud feeling of having on his CV - among so many other cups - the privilege of lifting a Premier League trophy for Arsenal.
"It's a matter of mentality, a strong mentality, of how you need to position yourself as an athlete. Having won titles with a club like Arsenal is something wonderful, fantastic. People recognise you, value you", he says.
"The amount of people who send me messages and respect is very large. Since I stopped playing, I've had the opportunity to return to the stadium many times, and the reception is always fantastic, it's wonderful.
"I've received tributes and I'm always remembered. When a player signs, you have to be aware of your role within the team, in front of the fans, the commission and the board. You have to be aware of your responsibility. You have to do your best to represent these people, regardless of the moment the club is living, and represent the institution well.
"We had a team that represented the institution well and on the field did what the fans expected. It was a special moment."