Silvinho became the first ever Brazilian to sign for Arsenal when he joined from Corinthians in 1999.
The exciting left back was recruited to challenge Nigel Winterburn and he eventually replaced the fans’ favourite in the first team.
Silvinho, already a full Brazil international, featured heavily in the 1999/2000 Premier League campaign as Arsenal finished second behind Manchester United. His marauding runs from full back caught the eye.
He scored his first goal in a 3-3 draw against Sheffield Wednesday, sparking a fine comeback with brilliantly-struck effort from the edge of the box.
That season ended on a low note as Arsenal lost the 2000 UEFA Cup final on penalties against Galatasaray, with Silvinho playing the whole game.
The left back was back among the goals the following season with strikes against Charlton, Chelsea and Sparta Prague. The first, a neat finish to seal a 5-3 win over the Addicks, was followed with a superb drive into the top corner to earn a draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Eventually the emergence of Ashley Cole forced Silvinho to look elsewhere for first-team opportunities, and he moved to Celta Vigo in the summer of 2001.
"We only sold him because we had Ashley Cole and at some stage we had to make a choice,” manager Arsene Wenger said. “It was difficult, but we are an English club and Ashley was an English international. However, both players were outstanding at the time in my opinion."
The talented Brazilian made 80 appearances for Arsenal. He later featured for Barcelona and Manchester City before taking up a coaching role with Cruzeiro in Brazil.
Silvinho
