Gallas takes over captain's armband at Arsenal

France defender William Gallas has been confirmed as Arsenal's new captain, the club announced yesterday.

Manager Arsene Wenger said he had chosen Gallas, who will be supported by vice-captains Gilberto Silva and Kolo Toure, because of his experience.

"I feel centre-back is always the best position to lead on the pitch and it is Gallas who has more experience at the back," Wenger told the club's website (www.arsenal.com).

"But Gilberto has always been a great captain and Kolo Toure has a stature too."

Gallas, who turns 30 next week, had an injury-hampered first season at Arsenal after moving across London from Chelsea in August last year.

His future at the club appeared less than certain during the close season when he used his official website (www.williamgallas.net) to question Arsenal's ambitions following the departure of former captain Thierry Henry to Barcelona.

"Today I am an Arsenal player but I do not know what can occur tomorrow," said Gallas last month but those doubts have since been erased.