Van Persie welcomes captaincy

16 August 2011 15:00

Robin van Persie maintains he is ready to take on the responsibility of Arsenal captain after being named as successor to Cesc Fabregas.

The Spain midfielder completed his move back to Barcelona on Monday, and Dutch striker Van Persie will take the armband full-time, having been vice-captain last season.

Speaking in the Arsenal matchday programme for the Champions League play-off first leg against Udinese, Van Persie said: "As captain you are an ambassador for the club and I am ready for that. I have been in the game now for more than 10 years, so I know how this world works."

He added: "I understand that certain actions have consequences. I know that quite well, I feel experienced, so I feel ready for this.

"I know that every single player represents their club anyway, everywhere you are, 24/7.

"I have been dealing with it for a few years now, so I know what my part is."

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is in no doubt Van Persie is the man for the job.

"He is a leader through the way he plays, through his attitude and through his desire to win," the Arsenal manager said in his programme notes for the match.

"Robin has been at the club a long time and is also a technical leader. Thomas Vermaelen will assist him.

"It is the decision I have made and I am confident the group will respond to it."

Source: PA