Title rivals dont often make it a habit to sign each others cast-offs, and French centre-half Mikael Silvestre is a perfect example of the reason why. With Manchester United having milked every last fibre of ability from his 31 year old body, he was made available for transfer at the end of the 07/08 season after nine years of service. Having made just three league appearances during his final campaign at Old Trafford, Arsene Wenger should surely have noted that his compatriot was no longer of the required standard for a title challenge, but to the horror of Gunners supporters everywhere, the past-it centre-half was snapped up for an undisclosed fee
''Ive spent a large part of my career at United and Ill remember that time fondly but feel Im ready for a new challenge. Arsenal are known for playing technical and skilful football, and have a young and experienced squad. Im really excited about this next stage of my career, hopefully playing my part in helping the club to my new successes. - Mikael Silvestre, August 2008.
The Arsenal supporters fears were soon to be realised, as his ageing legs failed to keep up to speed with the pace of the league, scoring an own goal in his first Champions League game for the Gunners and committing a series of errors during an underwhelming two-year stint in the capital.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
