COPY FROM BBC.COM

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has been
confirmed as the club's new captain. The 28-year-old Holland international has been at the
club since May 2004 and takes the armband from Cesc Fabregas, who left for Barcelona this week. Manager Arsene Wenger told the official matchday
programme: "He is a leader through the way he plays,
through his attitude and through his desire to win. "He's been at the club a long time and he's a technical
leader as well." Van Persie, who will be assisted by defender Thomas
Vermaelen, said he was relishing the opportunity. "As captain, you are an ambassador for
the club and I'm ready for that," said the
Dutchman. "I've been in the game now
for more than 10 years, so I know how
this world works. "You should always try to show respect.
This is just basic stuff that all human
beings should have in their life - just being nice to
people. "It's the little things, like giving people a minute of
your time in the street. You show them respect and
live with your principles on life." Van Persie will not lead Arsenal out against Udinese in
Tuesday's Champions League qualifier because he is
serving a one-match Uefa suspension. But he will take over when Liverpool visit the Emirates
on Saturday for a Premier League match.