The decision comes on the background of stripping defender William Gallas off the arm band, following the Frenchman's public criticism of his teammates last week.

"Fabregas will be the captain. I don't think I have to explain why. It is a permanent thing," Wenger was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

Despite choosing the 22-year-old Spaniard, Wenger stressed that every team player contributes in the whole squad's leadership

"I believe the captain is the voice of the club. He (Fabregas), though, is just one of the leaders of the team.

"A successful team is a shared leadership, and Fabregas will be one of many leaders."

Gallas recognition

Despite demoting Gallas, Wenger stressed that he still highly regards the former Chelsea man.

"William is a player that I rate. I have big respect for him," he added.

"He was working as a captain under a difficult media environment and he was under big pressure. At some stage, you do not want that pressure to affect him or the team," concluded the French manager.