Van Persie succeeds Fabregas in leading Arsenal.

Arsenal have made Robin Van Persie the club's new captain, following the departure of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona, and Thomas Vermaelen is the vice-captain.

Club manager Arsene Wenger confirmed the news in the Official Matchday Programme, as Arsenal prepare to take on Udinese in the first leg of the Champions League qualifiers.

"Robin van Persie will be captain this season," 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. Thomas Vermaelen will assist him, it's the decision I have made and I'm confident the group will respond to it."

Van Persie suceeds Fabregas who was sold to Barcelona on Monday for a fee of £35 million.

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