Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60,432

Fabregas to lead Gunners

24 Nov 2008 - 13:55:31

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Cesc Fabregas has been named as the new captain of Arsenal, while former skipper William Gallas has been included in Arsene Wenger's squad for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Dynamo Kyiv.

Wenger revealed the 21-year-old midfielder will take up the armband which was stripped from Gallas following the critical comments the French defender made about his team-mates last week.

Gallas was dropped from the squad that lost 3-0 at Manchester City on Saturday after hitting out at a lack of desire and respect among some of his team-mates in an explosive interview.

Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia was named as the north London club's makeshift captain as Fabregas was suspended at the weekend.

After the defeat at Eastlands, Wenger denied suggestions that the outspoken Gallas had played his last game for the club and has now handed the 31-year-old an immediate return to the squad for the visit of the Ukrainian club to the Emirates Stadium.

"Gallas will play on Tuesday, but Cesc will be the captain, I have made that decision," confirmed Wenger at his pre-match press conference.

"Fabregas will be the captain, permanently. I do not have to explain to you why."

Spain international Fabregas has made over 200 appearances for the Gunners since joining the north London club from Barcelona in 2003.