Former Brazil captain Gilberto Silva has been named technical director of Panathinaikos, the Greek Super League team announced on Monday.

The Athens outfit said the 39-year-old former Panathinaikos player had signed a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

"Panathinaikos welcomes Gilberto Silva back to the family," the team said in a statement.

Silva played 119 matches for Panathinaikos from 2008 to 2011, scoring six goals.

He finished his playing career with Brazilian clubs Gremio (2011-2012) and Atletico Mineiro (2012-2013).

Silva began his career with America Mineiro in 1997 and also won the Premier League title with Arsenal in 2004, playing for the English side from 2002-2008. He was on Arsenal team that lost the 2006 Champions League final 2-1 to Barcelona.

He was capped 93 times for Brazil from 2001 to 2010, scoring three goals.

[AFP]