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Brazilian Gilberto moves to Panathinaikos

  • Story Highlights
  • Midfielder Gilberto Silva completes his 1.2m euros transfer to Panathinaikos
  • The 31-year-old midfielder leaves Arsenal after six years with the London club
  • The Brazilian's three-year deal makes him the highest-paid player in Greece
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(CNN) -- Arsenal have confirmed that Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva has completed his £1million (1.2 million euros) move to Greek club Panathinaikos.

Gilberto Silva has joined Panathinaikos on a three-year deal to become the highest-paid player in Greece.

The 31-year-old former Arsenal captain Gilberto has ended his six-year spell with Arsene Wenger's side after passing a medical in Athens.

Gilberto has signed a three-year deal worth an estimated £6m (7.5 million euros), making him the highest-paid player in Greek football.

But Gilberto, who was greeted by over 1,000 fans when he arrived in Greece, insisted he is motivated by the chance to win titles and not the size of his bank balance.

"I'm hungry to win more titles. I came to Greece because I have big ambitions, it's very important for me to be able to continue to give my best," he said. "Panathinaikos manager Henk ten Cate is a coach I know from his time at Chelsea and I'm looking forward to working with him.

"The people here at Panathinaikos made the decision to come here very easy. I'm sure we will qualify through to the group stages of the Champions League and I'm exited about being a Panathinaikos player."

Gilberto, a World Cup winner in 2002, was a member of the "invincible" Arsenal side that won the 2004 Premier League title after going unbeaten through the entire campaign.

He made 244 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 24 goals, and also won the FA Cup in 2003 and 2005.

"Arsenal can confirm that Gilberto has joined Greek side Panathinaikos," a statement on the club's website read. "Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Gilberto for his huge contribution to the club both on and off the pitch, and wish him the very best for the future."

Gilberto's move means three midfielders have left Arsenal this summer, with Alexander Hleb (Barcelona) and Mathieu Flamini (AC Milan) also moving out.

Meanwhile, Samir Nasri and Aaron Ramsey have joined the Gunners, who are now strongly being linked with Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

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