Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists William Gallas is the right man - on and off the pitch - to lead the Gunners this season.

Gallas, who turns 30 later this month, has since reaffirmed his own commitment to the club and had made reference to the new challenges ahead in his first programme notes as skipper for the Premier League game against Fulham on Sunday, saying: "I have to give a good example in everything I do."

It is a sentiment which has struck a chord with the Arsenal manager.

"William means he has to be an example everywhere, not only on the pitch - but off the pitch as well and he is right," Wenger said ahead of his side's Champions League third qualifying round first leg clash away to Sparta Prague tonight. "I do not know how he behaved at Chelsea - but this year he is a very positive influence."