Gilberto: Roberto Carlos convinced Robinho to reject Arsenal

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has revealed how Brazilian teammate Roberto Carlos convinced Robinho to snub the Gunners for Real Madrid last summer.

Roberto Carlos told Robinho English food was to be avoided - one of the reasons he himself gave when deciding against joining Chelsea last year.

Gilberto confessed to the News of the World: "Roberto told Robinho that the food in England is lousy. I'm sure that didn't help!"

"But when Robinho told me the English language would be an obstacle, I said I used to think the same - it's not."

"He could have come to England and been one of a kind - but has gone to Real where he will be one of a group."