Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta insists a lot of consideration went into axing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as club captain.

The forward arrived late back from a sanctioned trip abroad and it is not the first time he has been pulled up for such behaviour.

Aubameyang has duly lost the captaincy and he will also play no part in Wednesday's match at home to West Ham.

And asked what he expects from an Arsenal captain, Arteta said: “What I expect from any person in this football club, that is representing this badge, with passion and that he gives absolutely 100 per cent, that he puts the club in front of any personal interests and is able to do anything to fulfil the badge we have on the chest.

“Apart from that, you can listen to individuals and you can understand different cultures, but that commitment and passion has to be there. Unfortunately, it wasn't.

“The decision that we have taken as a club is very clear. It is because we believe that he has failed to be committed at the level that we all expect and agreed. It is as simple as that.

“I've said a lot of conversations and a lot of thought but just with one intention - to protect the club and try to do the best thing as well to defend our people, our players and get the best performance on that pitch which is what we're here for.

“The decision is clear and after a lot of thought and after a series of things that happened it was necessary whether we like it or not."