Gilberto Silva is upset with claims of a fall-out with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

"It was strange, this thing that I had a fight with Arsene," said Gilberto. "I never did that. We have a mutual respect for each other and although I'm not happy to be on the bench, and he and everyone knows that, I always respect his decision about what he thinks is best for the team.

"I'm being very professional, so I don't understand how these things come out when we don't have any problem. I'm not the kind of person who would refuse to play."

Gilberto recently turned 31, an age at which Wenger becomes more circumspect about renewing contracts. Gilberto's expires in 18 months' time and he is aware of interest from several major clubs, including Juventus, but will not make a decision on his future until next summer.

"We'll see at the end of the season what's going to happen," he said. "But now I just play football and don't think about what comes from outside.

"I hope I will be back playing centre midfield soon. I'm working for that. It has been quite hard, but the only thing I can do is do my job and respect the manager and the team - to try to do my best when I have an opportunity."