Berlin (dpa) – Injured German international Per Mertesacker was confirmed Saturday as the new captain of Arsenal.
«Per is a very respected figure in the dressing room, is loved as well and is a very demanding figure,» Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the club’s official website. «I think it is absolutely natural to be [him].»
Mertesacker was handed the armband despite a knee injury which will keep him sidelined at least a few months.
Wenger said that Mertesacker would be deputised in his absence by «the assistants», namely Laurent Koscielny, Santi Cazorla or Petr Cech.
Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign on Sunday at home against Liverpool.
