Gallas admits Gunners honour
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William Gallas admits it is yet to sink in just what it means to be Arsenal captain.
The France international was handed the captain's armband by Arsene Wenger following Thierry Henry's departure for Barcelona last summer.
The former Marseille defender arrived from Chelsea in 2006 as part of the deal that saw Ashley Cole switch to Stamford Bridge, at which point Gallas did not consider himself to be captain material.
But the 30-year-old is now happy to have the honour of leading the new generation of young Gunners and trying to guide the London giants to their first Premier League title for four years.
Recognition
"I won two titles with Chelsea but the Arsenal captain's armband gave me greater recognition," Gallas told L'Equipe.
"Didier Drogba also says to me: 'You are the Arsenal captain after Henry, (Patrick) Vieira and (Tony) Adams. That is not just anything!' Actually, I have not completely realised that yet.
"After Thierry's departure, we had to invent something new. In one day I was not a player among a group any more but a man who has to take over and talk.
"I knew I could take it on because I played beside great captains like Laurent Blanc, John Terry and Marcel Desailly.
"For the very first time in my career the team comes first before myself, and two years ago I was not convinced I could play such a role.
"My first two seasons at Arsenal have been disrupted by injuries to my right groin muscle. I can still feel some pain but I can still improve and reach a new level.
"Being Arsenal's captain has changed everything. I have to be the one that leads the team to victory."
Chelsea departure
Gallas left Chelsea in acrimonious circumstances, with the Blues claiming he threatened to score an own goal if his contract demands were not met.
But Gallas claims he is not motivated by money as he turned down an improved offer from Chelsea for the challenge of helping Arsenal get back to the top.
"During the talks with Chelsea for a new contract, I could not accept the club publicly insinuated I was keen to score an own goal to leave," he added.
"I could never make such a blackmail after spending five years with the Blues.
"By leaving the dominant club I have shown my character. Chelsea tried to keep me at the last moment by offering me more money than Arsenal, but money can't sort out everything."
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Kolo toure should have been the captain. Too bad hes an african.
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You're shit. You missed two headers which led to chelski's goal. Show the team you're the fucking capt. Dont just whine and cry like a poxycunt.