Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has admitted his pride at being awarded the captain’s armband for the Premier League fixture against Bournemouth last Sunday.
With the absence of regular first-team (vice) captain Per Mertesacker, replaced by Gabriel Paulista, the Frenchman was given the armband for the first time in the Premier League.
The experienced footballer was a rock at the heart of the defence for Arsenal in their 2-0 win away at the Vitality Stadium, with first-half goals from Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain proving enough for the three points.
Koscielny, who had previously captained the club in cup competitions, claimed, as reported by the Daily Mirror, that while it didn’t change his attitude or add pressure, he felt ‘pride’ at being given the honour.
It’s more pride. It was the first time in the league. I’d already had the armband in the Cup against Sunderland and then Burnley, but this honour doesn’t add more pressure.
I believe every player has an important role to play in a team and he needs to fulfil it.
However, this armband will remain something important in my career. Legends like Tony Adams or Thierry Henry wore it before me. That’s not nothing!
Arsenal face Leicester City on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium, knowing that a win over the league leaders would put them within touching distance of the top spot in the Premier League.
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