Gilberto Silva admits he is upset with the way he has been treated by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger this season.
But he is bewildered as to why his star has faded so dramatically having deputised as skipper last term.
Gilberto, 32, admitted: "To this day I'm waiting for an explanation as to this change. The truth is I found out about it through the newspapers. I thought I had a good season last year and I saw no reason for what has happened. If I continue not to play, then leaving Arsenal is inevitable.
"I could not cope with another season like this one when Wenger has made me feel totally useless. A player must be able to smile. A sad Brazilian is no good, especially on a football pitch. Right now I really am struggling to battle on."
