Panathinaikos midfielder Gilberto Silva is returning to former club Arsenal next month.

The ex-Gunners captain will lead Brazil in their friendly against the Republic of Ireland.

Gilberto told arsenal.com: "I'm really looking forward to coming back to London and play once at Emirates Stadium. Although it's Brazil against Republic of Ireland, and Arsenal will not be playing there, I'm sure I'll see many good old friends from Arsenal. Of course, it will be great to play on the very good pitch and in the great stadium again."