Per Mertesacker has been named as Arsenal’s new captain even though the injured Germany defender may not play again this year.
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Manager Arsene Wenger told Arsenal Player: “Per is a very respected figure in the dressing room, is loved as well and is also a very demanding figure”.
“(In his absence) that’s where it will be taken by the assistants.
Though experienced and reliable for Arsenal, Gunners fans have still been taken by surprise at Wenger’s selection, with many having assumed that Petr Cech or Laurent Koscielny were the most likely candidates to succeed Arteta.
Arsenal have announced Per Mertesacker as the new club captain.
“(United and City) signed a lot of players the year before as well. if you want to make everybody happy, then just buy 20 new players and everybody is full of hope until the first game starts and then we’re back to reality”.
Jack Wilshere has backed the Arsenal squad to do something special in the Premier League this season ahead of their opening game against Liverpool on Sunday.
“It is good news for us”.
The Spaniard’s injury problems over the last two seasons have seen several players fill in as temporary captain.
“He is a natural leader and I know he has picked up an injury, but he can still bring so much to us as a team”.
“Vibrancy doesn’t make you win games”, he said.
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“He is organised and he won’t take any nonsense from anyone. He is the one who organises our team dinners, so for me he is a great choice”.
