Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says the players accept the decision to strip Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the captaincy.

The decision was announced this morning and Arteta addressed the media in the afternoon.

He said, "It is the right decision in the interests of the football, It was a personal conversation, face to face and he had to accept the decision. We have the leadership group and the different players nominated to be captain, we will follow that, it is an unpleasant situation and it is not the situation to take any rash decision.

"They (the players) accept the decision. They have committed to our culture, our demands and how we want to represent this club at a next level and if you do not do that you cannot be involved in the basics. The players are dealing with it extremely well.

"The decision is a really tough one and there has been a lot to digest and we need a little time. It was really hurting and we need a little time to heal. Our relationship has been really good since i have been here that is why it hurts.

"It is better to be really clear about the situation, with the number of games we have coming up."