Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta has thanked Per Mertesacker for allowing him to lift the FA Cup trophy.

Arsenal claimed a record 12th FA Cup title with a thumping 4-0 victory over Aston Villa in what was a thoroughly deserved triumph.

The captain on the pitch for Arsenal during the victory was defender Per Mertesacker but it was regular skipper Mikel Arteta who helped lift the trophy during the presentation ceremony.

Now Arteta has moved on to thank Mertesacker for his gesture and added that it was a pleasure for him to be able to lift the famous trophy.

The Spaniard told Arsenal's official website: "Per is a gentleman. I thought it was his time to go and lift it but he asked me to go upstairs and I'm very grateful. It was a pleasure."