Arsenal Defender Mikael Silvestre to Join UAE Club Al Jazeera Abu Dhabi

Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre is all set to move to United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he would be representing Al Jazeera Abu Dhabi club. The former France international’s contract with Arsenal has expired and he is now ready to move away from the Gunners as a ‘free agent’. However, no deal has been struck yet.

Reports available in the media suggest that the 32-year-old former Manchester Untied defender has been offered a lucrative £4 million yearly salary by Al Jazeera Abu Dhabi. Given his age and recent form, it would be hard for Silvestre to resist the offer.

Mikael Silvestre spent his best years with Manchester United. During his 9 years stay at the Old Trafford club, the defender won 4 Premier League, 1 Champions League, 1 FA Cup and a League Cup title. He moved to Arsenal in Summer 2008, but failed to make any considerable impact at the North London club during his two-year spell.

Silvestre’s performance was not convincing enough to earn a contract extension at Arsenal. He appeared in only 26 Premier League matches in 2 years for Arsenal. The Frenchman was mainly used as a substitute at Arsenal.

Moving to Dubai-based clubs is nothing new for the out-of-form and aged players. Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has recently moved to Al Ahli. Reports also have it in the media that German star Michael Ballack, whose contract with Chelsea has expired recently, is now in talks with a UAE club.