Former Arsenal captain Gilberto Silva admits all of Brazil's players regard Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney as a superstar.

Gilberto claims Rooney is up there with world superstars such as Lionel Messi, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The veteran midfielder, who moved to Panathinaikos from Arsenal two years ago, said: "You can now say Wayne Rooney is in the same bracket as stars like Messi, Kaka and Ronaldo.

"Year by year he becomes better and better with the experience he has and I am sure he can do a lot for England this summer.

"All the Brazil squad regard Rooney as one of the stars in the making at the World Cup, especially if we have to face England."