Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen is proud to be named new club captain.

The Belgian has inherited the armband on a full-time basis following Robin van Persie's departure, and is delighted to be starting a new chapter in his career.

"It makes me really happy and proud to be Arsenal captain - it's a real honour," the Belgian says in his programme notes for Saturday's match with Sunderland.

"I won't change the way I am, though. The boss makes you captain because of the way you are, so I won't change how I am in the dressing room or outside. I want to lead by example, and do as well as I can on the pitch.

"Maybe I am not much of a talker away from the pitch, but I want to lead the team through the way I play."