Ex-Brazil captain Gilberto Silva joins Panathinaikos as technical director

Former Brazil captain Gilberto Silva has been named technical director of Panathinaikos, the Greek Super League team announced on Monday.

The Athens outfit said the 39-year-old former Panathinaikos player had signed a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

"Panathinaikos welcomes Gilberto Silva back to the family," the team said in a statement.

Silva played 119 matches for Panathinaikos from 2008 to 2011, scoring six goals.

He finished his playing career with Brazilian clubs Gremio (2011-2012) and Atletico Mineiro (2012-2013).

Silva began his career with America Mineiro in 1997 and also won the Premier League title with Arsenal in 2004, playing for the English side from 2002-2008. He was on Arsenal team that lost the 2006 Champions League final 2-1 to Barcelona.

He was capped 93 times for Brazil from 2001 to 2010, scoring three goals.

[AFP]