The manager of Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, has said that Thomas Vermaelen will be the captain of the team in the pre season matches in the absence of Robin Van Persie. Varmaelen was the vice captain of the team in the last season. This is not the first time that Vermaelen is going to lead Arsenal. He had led the side before. He was the captain of Arsenal in the Emirates cup of the 2010-11 season. As per Wenger, Vermaelen is an experienced player. He has been with the club since the last three years. He is also the vice captain of the team. So, he was an obvious choice for the captaincy role.
On being asked about this new responsibility, Vermaelen said that it is a privilege to captain Arsenal. As per Vermaelen, when he was a teenager, he used to watch the matches of Arsenal on television. He was fascinated by the playing style of Arsenal players. He used to wish that he could play for Arsenal one day. He said that when he signed for Arsenal in 2009, it was like a dream come true. He was over the moon. And, now, he has got the opportunity to lead the side. He is very happy that the manager has trusted him for this role.
On being asked about Robin Van Persie, Vermaelen said that Van Persie is a great player and he has contributed a lot for the team over the years. But, at the same time, he said that Persie’s exit would not affect the performance of the team much. According to Vermaelen, there are a lot of talented players in the side who can fill the spot of Van Persie. He said that if the players perform up to their potential in the upcoming season, it would be very difficult for any other team to beat Arsenal.
