Thomas Vermaelen delighted with Beijing return

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has said that he is excited to finally get the chance to play at Beijing's famous 'Bird's Nest' stadium.

Vermaelen is captaining the Gunners on a pre-season tour of Asia, which includes a glamorous friendly against Manchester City at the 80,000-capacity venue on Friday.

The Belgian centre-back told the club's official website: "Four years ago I was in China for the Olympics with the Belgian national team. We travelled all over the country, not just Beijing, and it was the first time I had been to China.

"We didn't play in the Bird's Nest, but I went to the stadium to watch the athletics, and it was a great experience. It looks fantastic, and I think the atmosphere will be great as well."

The 26-year-old is a leading contender to take over the Arsenal captaincy permanently if Robin van Persie gets his wish to leave the Gunners this summer.