Gilberto's captaincy shock

Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva has admitted he is shocked that he has lost the captaincy of the Emirates side. Gilberto has lost his place in the side and captaincy to William Gallas, and has admitted he was surprised after taking on Thierry Henry's captaincy role after last season.

"Of course I was surprised because I was captain all last season when Henry didn't play, and after his move to Barcelona I naturally thought I would be this time," He told the Daily Star.

"Arsene is the manager and it is his decision and I have to accept that. Life goes on and I will get on with my job like I always have.

"But I was surprised he didn't speak to me about his decision. He had the time to do it because I was at the training ground before it was made public.

"He didn't say anything to me and I just found out about it that evening when I saw it on the Arsenal website.

"I wasn't upset about not being captain, but I was about the way I learnt about it."

He added: "I will give the same commitment to the club that I always have. This is an important season."