Arsene Wenger "grateful" to have worked with Thomas Vermaelen

Arsene Wenger has said that he is "grateful" to have had Thomas Vermaelen as one of his players for the last five years.

The defender, who joined Arsenal from Ajax in 2009, completed a move to Barcelona yesterday.

The manager told The Mirror: "He behaved outstandingly and with dignity. I'm grateful for him and wish him well."

Mikel Arteta has been appointed as the club's captain following Vermaelen's departure.