Gilberto Silva named new Arsenal captain

LONDON: Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva has been officially named as the successor to former Arsenal captain Thierry Henry, the club said on Thursday.   

The 30-year-old was vice captain last season and often led the side as Henry spent much of the season on the sidelines.   

And with the mercurial French forward's departure to Barcelona during the summer, Silva has been handed the role on a permanent basis.   

Experienced centre-backs William Gallas of France and Ivory Coast's Kolo Toure have been named the new vice-captains.   

As Silva is still absent from the starting line-up following his involvement in the Copa America, it will be Gallas who leads out the team for Sunday's Premiership opener against Fulham.