Almunia proud to skipper Gunners

Keeper to lead out team against Fenerbahce

Last updated: 21st October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Almunia proud to skipper Gunners

Almunia: Proud to be captain

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Manuel Almunia insists he will feel only pride, not pressure, when he captains Arsenal against Fenerbahce.

With William Gallas and Kolo Toure missing Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash through injury, Almunia will skipper the team.

The 31-year-old will likely be the oldest player in the Arsenal side and admits to being 'surprised' by the situation.

However, the Spanish goalkeeper is confident that he will not feel under any additional pressure when he leads out the team in Turkey.

No pressure

"I am very proud," said Almunia. "It is a great thing to wear the armband. I am a bit surprised because I am the oldest player on the pitch.

"It is nice. It means that I am doing things well and I have the confidence of the boss.

"I will try to defend Arsenal 100 per cent and try to help my team in every aspect.

"The only pressure is as it is on a Saturday every weekend - to defend my team.

"I have more responsibility being captain, but there is no pressure.

"It is a pride for me. I hope I can support my team from behind and command my defenders very well to get the points."