Mikel Arteta honoured to be Arsenal captain

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has spoken of his pride at being made the captain of the club.

The 32-year-old has worn the armband on numerous occasions for the Gunners, but following Thomas Vermaelen's move to Barcelona, he will skipper the club on a permanent basis.

"Being captain is a big honour and a privilege, with a big responsibility," he told reporters. "I will try to stand up and do my best for my players.

"I have done it before last season when Thomas was injured, so I am used to it, now I just have to try make the best of my teammates, the manager and the club."

Arteta played the full 90 minutes of Arsenal's 3-0 victory against Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday.