Sir Alex Ferguson's thanks to Silvestre Sir Alex Ferguson has thanked Mikael Silvestre for its nine years of service to Manchester United after the defender completed a move to Arsenal.
Speaking after Silvestre had completed the formalities of his move Ferguson said: "Mikael has been a great servant and a wonderful professional. We wish him the best in his new club and thank him for his service.
" Silvestre - who has 40 caps for France - had fallen to the hierarchy in the United Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand became Sir Alex Ferguson the first choice partnership at the heart of the defence.
Wes Brown, John O'Shea and can also provide cover in the centre and have recently agreed new deals at the club while Patrice Evra made the left-back spot his own.
And with his contract set to expire in 2009, Ferguson has allowed Silvestre - who is the first player to leave Arsenal for United since Brian Kidd 34 years ago - to join one of their main Barclays Premier League rivals.
Now Silvestre looks forward to a new and unexpected phase of his career.
"I spent a large part of my career at United, the last nine years, and I remember that time fondly but feel I am ready for a new challenge," said French, which was submitted the number 18 shirt.
"Arsenal are known to play and the technical competence of football, and a young but experienced team.
"I'm really excited about this next stage of my career, I hope to play my part in helping the club to further success.
" What is surprising, but the fact is Wenger gave Silvestre, who has a recent history of injury problems, a two-year contract. It represents a change of policy for the boss of Arsenal, which has already been reluctant to offer players over 30 - including people like Robert Pires, Jens Lehmann and Dennis Bergkamp - nothing more than a year deal.
Ferguson signed by Silvestre Inter Milan in 1999 after he began his career with Rennes, who left for San Siro in 1998. Silvestre enjoyed considerable success with the Red Devils and won four Premier League titles, an FA Cup winner of the medal and a League Cup winner of the medal in his 361 appearances with the club. But his last season at United has been hampered by a knee injury sustained against Everton in September 2007, which limited to just six appearances competitive. Wenger underlined Silvestre's experience and versatility of two main factors behind his decision to sign the player for an undisclosed fee, estimated at around £ 750000. The 31-year-old, who missed much of last season with knee ligament damage, has agreed a two-year deal to the Emirates Stadium.
With his contract set to expire next season, Silvestre has been linked with a move to Bordeaux and Manchester City during the summer, but he opted to move to north London. Although the Gunners have no doubt the quality throughout their young team, they are short on experience - something Silvestre can offer.
Wenger said: "We have a strong team, but a young team and Mikael versatility, experience and quality will provide additional depth, we must strengthen our challenge for honours this season.
"His ability to adapt defensively we serve and it is a big plus that Mikael a high level of experience and a great understanding of football in the Premier League."
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