The former Arsenal midfielder, who started out as a factory worker in his native state of Minas Gerais, readily admits his role in the Brazil side is far more prosaic than that of artists like Kaka and Robinho, but he is just as vital to the South Americans' chances of success in South Africa.

Gilberto, usually in tandem with Fiorentina's Felipe Melo, provides a crucial defensive midfield shield, protecting the back four and allowing the full-backs to push forward and support the attack.

He told Press Association Sport: "Maybe some people don't really appreciate the kind of player I am as a Brazilian because I'm not as skilful as many, but for many people when they realise the kind of job I do they change their idea of me.

"Now I'm using my experience a lot to position myself well on the field and talking a lot to help the others."

Experience is something Gilberto possesses in spades.

Along with Lucio, Gilberto is in a very select group in the current Brazil squad with genuine World Cup-winning pedigree as part of the triumphant 2002 side in Japan and South Korea.

Kaka was in that squad too, but had just turned 20 and played less than 20 minutes in the whole tournament.

That tournament know-how will aid Brazil, who cannot afford to ease themselves into the competition in a group which also includes Portugal and the Ivory Coast, as well as outsiders North Korea.

Gilberto said: "Some say it is the toughest (group) of them all, for me it is the group of death, but we cannot choose our opponents in the competition.

"The most important thing is all the team are very well prepared, especially physically."

One thing the Panathinaikos man knows the 2010 Selecao must cope with is the pressure of expectation.

As in 2006, Brazil are many people's favourites heading to South Africa and Gilberto admitted that tag weighed heavily on the team in Germany four years ago.

"When you go to the World Cup as the favourites, it is very hard because the pressure is massive," he said.

"Normally after the first game, the pressure eases off but this didn't happen with us in 2006.

"When Dunga took over there were no big changes, just what is normal with a new coach, rebuilding the squad and making preparations for the next competition. We did of course learn from our mistakes and don't want it to happen again."

At 33, this is almost certain to be Gilberto's last World Cup, but he believes there are players who, in time, could step up to be just as effective as he is now.

He said: "Felipe Melo is doing very well and I think he can be the man to fill my place, but of course we do have some other players with great potential such as Lucas Leiva, Denilson and (new Tottenham signing) Sandro."

The latter trio will benefit no doubt from getting to grips with the holding role in England, as Gilberto did during a hugely successful time with Arsenal between 2002 and 2008.

Hard work has been a cornerstone of his life, with his father, a blacksmith, insisting his boy needed a trade to fall back on in case a sporting career did not work out.

He toiled as a labourer in a local factory before his big break came with Atletico Mineiro. His impressive displays in the 2002 World Cup caught the eye of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, and the rest is history.

He has won the World Cup, played a key role in Arsenal's unbeaten Premier League campaign in 2003-04, won the FA Cup twice with the Gunners and now aims to join a small band of players who have tasted World Cup glory twice.

"I'm very proud for all I have achieved in my career and especially with Brazil," he said.

"When I look back at my life, from where I came from to where I am now, I just have to thank God for everything. For me it is a great achievement."