Cesc Fabregas ready for his first game as captain of Arsenal

New Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has urged his Arsenal team-mates to forget about their problems of the past three weeks and prove they are still one of the best clubs in Europe.

The Gunners take on Dynamo Kiev tonight under the leadership of the 21-year-old Spaniard for the first time after he replaced William Gallas as skipper yesterday.

A point would almost certainly guarantee Arsenal's passage into the last 16 but Fabregas wants the Gunners to rediscover their form after losing three of their last four Premier League matches.

He said: "We have to prove that all the criticism we have had is not justified - that we are together and that we are one of the best teams in the country and in Europe."

Fabregas said he felt proud to be handed the armband after becoming the club's youngest skipper since Tony Adams.

He added: "It's a real honour for me to be captain of one of the biggest clubs in the world and I feel very proud. I will give it my best and try to take the team forward.

"I don't think it matters about my age. I have a lot of experience in terms of the amount of football I've played for Arsenal and I know all my team-mates very well.

"Being captain won't change me as a person. I'm the same guy and player."

Fabregas hoped that by becoming captain, all talk about him leaving Emirates Stadium for Barcelona or Real Madrid will now end.

He added: "Each year people talk about me leaving yet I'm still here and I want to be part of the future. I love the club and I'm totally committed to it. I'm not looking to play anywhere else.

"Of course, the future for Arsenal is bright. The players are very much looking forward to the next few years."

Manager Arsene Wenger stripped Gallas of the captaincy and left him out of the squad at Manchester City on Saturday following his latest public criticism of the team, where he questioned their fighting spirit and revealed details of a supposed troubled dressing room. But Gael Clichy believes that Fabregas can now bring success back to Arsenal.

The defender said: "Tony Adams had the armband at a young age and now he is one of the greats with the fans. I hope Cesc will do the same.

"When he started in the team everyone was saying he was too young to have so much responsibility but he has shown he can handle a team and put in good performances."