‘Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger should make Mathieu Flamini captain’

Martin Keown believes Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger should appoint “braveheart” Mathieu Flamini as Gunners captain.

The 29-year-old midfielder, who left Arsenal in 2008, signed a three-year deal with the Gunners back in August after leaving AC Milan on a free transfer at the end of last season.

Thomas Vermaelen is currently Arsenal captain, whilst Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta and Germany international Per Mertesacker have previously worn the armband in the centre-half’s absence.

Flamini landed himself in hot water after cutting off the sleeves of his shirt for the 2-0 victory over Marseille despite Mertesacker deciding the Arsenal squad would wear long-sleeved jerseys.

And former Gunners defender Keown was impressed by Flamini’s stance.

“Flamini is Arsenal’s braveheart, providing that bite in midfield, and I like that he has enough character to challenge the decision. Though, maybe getting the scissors out was a step too far,” Keown wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.

“It’s a fine balancing act keeping that tradition and making sure everybody respects it.

“Maybe the easiest thing would be to make just make Flamini captain. Then everybody can wear their sleeves short, even when even when it’s freezing. Plus, there’ll be no need for any last-minute tailoring in the dressing room.”