Gunners skipper could crack claims Arsenal legend

10:07am Friday 16th May 2008

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ARSENAL legend Patrick Vieira believes it could break William Gallas may suffer psychologically if he is relieved of the captain's armband at Arsenal.

The French defender succeeded Thierry Henry at the Emirates Stadium as the club's captain following his departure to Barcelona last summer.

But while the Gunners made a flying start to the campaign, former Chelsea man Gallas, later had his leadership skills called into question as the Londoners season fell apart around February.

During that period Gallas was heavily criticised for his public display of emotion at Birmingham City, after a last minute penalty cost Arsenal a vital win.

"I think it has been difficult for him. I have been talking to him and he has been hurt by the criticism he has received," former Gunner Vieira said at an event run by Ford's Feel Football debate website www.feelfootball.com. "Of course, he had a difficult moment. He is a really strong player who is committed to the club. He wants to prove that he deserves to be Arsenal captain, I know he wants to be a successful captain at Arsenal, and he will do everything he can.

"He is a really emotional person sometimes. He expresses his feelings and that is why he is so popular on the French national team.

"I hope he stays as captain. I think he is a leader of the team. He has experience. I think he has the full support of the players.

"It would have a bad effect on him (if he lost the captaincy) and everybody else in the team as well. If you had the captaincy taken off you after a year it would be difficult psychologically to start the next season not as captain.

"He might think about what he did wrong and think that he lost the manager and the players' trust. It would be a big blow for him and for the club and players."