William Gallas admits it is yet to sink
in just what it means to be Arsenal captain.
The France international was handed the captain's armband by
Arsene Wenger following Thierry Henry's departure for Barcelona
last summer.
The former Marseille defender arrived from Chelsea in 2006 as
part of the deal that saw Ashley Cole switch to Stamford Bridge, at
which point Gallas did not consider himself to be captain
material.
But the 30-year-old is now happy to have the honour of leading
the new generation of young Gunners and trying to guide the London
giants to their first Premier League title for four years.
"I won two titles with Chelsea but the Arsenal captain's armband
gave me greater recognition," Gallas told L'Equipe.
"Didier Drogba also says to me: 'You are the Arsenal captain
after Henry, (Patrick) Vieira and (Tony) Adams. That is not just
anything!' Actually, I have not completely realised that yet.
"After Thierry's departure, we had to invent something new. In
one day I was not a player among a group any more but a man who has
to take over and talk.
"I knew I could take it on because I played beside great
captains like Laurent Blanc, John Terry and Marcel Desailly.
"For the very first time in my career the team comes first
before myself, and two years ago I was not convinced I could play
such a role.
"My first two seasons at Arsenal have been disrupted by injuries
to my right groin muscle. I can still feel some pain but I can
still improve and reach a new level.
"Being Arsenal's captain has changed everything. I have to be
the one that leads the team to victory."
Gallas left Chelsea in acrimonious circumstances, with the Blues
claiming he threatened to score an own goal if his contract demands
were not met.
But Gallas claims he is not motivated by money as he turned down
an improved offer from Chelsea for the challenge of helping Arsenal
get back to the top.
"During the talks with Chelsea for a new contract, I could not
accept the club publicly insinuated I was keen to score an own goal
to leave," he added.
"I could never make such a blackmail after spending five years
with the Blues.
"By leaving the dominant club I have shown my character. Chelsea
tried to keep me at the last moment by offering me more money than
Arsenal, but money can't sort out everything."