Wenger puts faith in Gallas to lead young Gunners

WILLIAM GALLAS has been appointed captain of Arsenal for the coming season by manager Arsene Wenger.

The Gunners boss has taken his time selecting a successor to Thierry Henry, who left for Barcelona earlier this summer.

Gallas, Gilberto, Kolo Toure and Cesc Fabregas were among the names being suggested for the post but Wenger has opted for the experienced France defender, with Gilberto and Toure his deputies.

“The captain will be William Gallas,” Wenger said.

“There will also be two vice-captains, Kolo Toure and Gilberto.

“I feel centre-back is always the best position to lead on the pitch and it is Gallas who has more experience at the back. But Gilberto has always been a great captain and Kolo Toure has a stature too.

“I made a decision that I want all those experienced players, along with Jens Lehmann, to be involved off the pitch.

“Players like Jens and Gilberto can play the role of a club captain. They can have a very strong impact mentally on the team. I want them to take on that responsibility.”

Gunners striker Eduardo Da Silva — signed to fill the gap left by Henry’s departure — admits he is likely to find it difficult to adapt to life in England following his arrival from Dinamo Zagreb this summer.

The 24-year-old Brazil-born forward, who could make his competitive debut at home to Fulham on Sunday, explained: “I have been here one month everything is getting better and better with Arsenal.

“To be honest, it is not easy. But even for the best player in the world it is not easy in England. Take Andriy Shevchenko at Chelsea as an example. For me he is one of the best strikers in the world but when he was first in England he found the adaptation hard. Now it is better and better for him.

“I know I have to adapt yet but I just want to work and work. I will speak with players and ask them questions.

“If I give 100%, then the goals will come. I just want to satisfy the club and the fans. Everything is new but I am happy.”

Robin van Persie saw his campaign wrecked by injury last season but hopes to figure more prominently this term, and has backed Theo Walcott to make a big impact.

“I have been practising with Theo since June 18 and I can assure you he is up for it, big time,” van Persie said.