Silvestre On French Return

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is used to surprising fans and media alike with his left-field transfer dealings, but the £700,000 capture of Mikael Silvestre was arguably the most eyebrow-raising to date, especially when one considers it is the FIRST and ONLY transfer between Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Wenger.

Injury had prevented Silvestre from making an instant impact in the Premier League and Champions League for the Gunners but the Frenchman scored a headed goal against Tottenham Hotspur, and also featured against his former club when United visited the Emirates and lost by two goals to one.

Devilish Gunner

Silvestre, 31, believes that his Manchester to London switch has put him back in contention for a place in the national team, as he was recently rewarded a call-up to Les Bleus despite not featuring in the goal-less draw against Uruguay.

"This selection is a massive surprise to me after two years, but it proves anything can happen," Silvestre is reported to have said.

"I am very happy to be back. It was important to play again with my club because it could permit me play for Les Bleus again, and that has just happened.

"Playing Champions League football again and in the league is superb," he added.

The Arsenal defender has admitted that he may not finish his career at Ashburton Grove and believes a return to Ligue Un could be on the cards.

"The problem is that in France they don’t trust people in their 30s. Habits change very, very slowly. But Makelele opened the way. Him and Ludo are enjoying their time at PSG... So why not move back?"

Silvestre began his career with Rennes.

Alan Dawson, Goal.com