Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen is proud to be tour captain.

Vermaelen was handed the captaincy in the absence of Robin van Persie.

"First of all I want to say that I am only captain for now," he said. "Last year I was vice-captain for Arsenal and I was really proud to be in that role for such a big club.

"I dreamed to play for this club and to play an important role as a vice-captain. It makes me really happy to help the players and help the team go forward and win trophies this year."