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Gallas beaming over Arsenal captaincy

William Gallas admits he's proud to be Arsenal captain this season.

On the plane home from his side's goalless draw at Slavia Prague four days ago, Gallas stood up to address players, directors and fans.

"I just wanted to say thank you," explained the Arsenal skipper to the Sunday Mirror. "It's important that a captain should do these things."

Not many people thought the France defender was cut out for the captaincy after the departure of Thierry Henry.

"I was surprised when the boss gave me the captaincy," admits Gallas. "It took me a while to settle after my move from Chelsea.

"But it has given me responsibility and maturity. I try to lead by example - it's important to give everything to the players, the fans and the club."

He added: "It's very important to be friends off the pitch. So I get all the players to go for meals together. What happens off the pitch determines how we are on it. We are all fighting together now.

"Before the warm-up I like to see all the players and give them advice. I try to motivate them.

"I think only about the team. After a game I go up and say well done and keep it up. And we all go into a huddle before games."

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