Wenger: Cesc is skipper - video
Updated on 24 November 2008
Arsene Wenger reveals that Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas is to replace William Gallas as Arsenal captain.
The Arsenal boss has handed 21-year-old Cesc Fabregas the captain's armband, after Gallas' controversial comments about divisions in the Gunners' squad.
Ahead of his side's Champions League encounter with Dynamo Kiev tomorrow, Wenger told a press conference: "William is a player that I rate and he's a man that I rate.
"I have big respect for him. He was working as a captain in a very difficult media environment - he was under big pressure from the press. I do not want that to affect him or the team."
Last week Gallas told the Associated Press there had been arguments among the Arsenal players, with one insulting his teammates during a match, and said he could leave if Arsenal doesn't end its five-year wait for a Premier League title.
'Let's be judged on where we are in May. We are only in November.'Arsene Wenger, Arsenal manager
Pundits accused Gallas of betraying the privacy of the dressing room, and the French international was dropped for his side's game with Manchester City on Saturday. They lost 3-0.
Wenger refused to comment further on his decision to strip Gallas of the armband.
He told reporters: "I don't think I have to explain why I have done this; I have given you the information but I don't have to tell you why.
"This subject now has to be closed - I have given you the information and I don't have to give you much more than that. You have to respect the privacy of the team."
Wenger said that Gallas had taken "the problems of the team to heart" but rumours he would quit the club in January were "just suggestions".
Despite recent defeats to Stoke, Aston Villa and Manchester City; Wenger said his confidence in his side had not diminished.
He added: "My trust in my players hasn't been affected; we are a strong team and that will come out.
"Let's be judged on where we are in May. We are only in November.
"Everyone every week has a different opinion - but when they are wrong they don't say sorry, they just go and have an opinion about something else.
Let's be judged at the end of the season - we will see. I think this team can be one of the important forces in Europe for many years. But there's only one way to prove that - on the pitch."
Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby have both been ruled out of tomorrow's Champions League clash. Gallas is in line for a recall.
