Adams jersey will not be retired

Arsenal skipper Tony Adams may have quit the game after a distinguished Highbury career, but his famous number six shirt will not be retired.

And it has been revealed the number was offered to the Gunners’ new Brazilian world cup hero Gilberto Silva.

According to the club’s official website, www.arsenal.com, Silva declined the shirt offer, instead opting to wear 19 for this season, vacated by Japanese midfielder Junichi Inamoto, now at Fulham.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s new French defender Pascal Cygan has taken the number 18 shirt previously worn by Gilles Grimandi.

Uruguayan goalkeeper Fabian Carini, on loan from Juventus, will wear 24, sported last season by new Evertonian Richard Wright.