Robin van Persie maintains he is ready to take on the responsibility of Arsenal captain after being named as successor to Cesc Fabregas.

The Spain midfielder completed his move back to Barcelona on Monday, and Dutch striker Van Persie will take the armband full-time, having been vice-captain last season.

Speaking in the Arsenal matchday programme for the Champions League play-off first leg against Udinese, Van Persie said: "As captain you are an ambassador for the club and I am ready for that. I have been in the game now for more than 10 years, so I know how this world works."

He added: "I understand that certain actions have consequences. I know that quite well, I feel experienced, so I feel ready for this.

"I know that every single player represents their club anyway, everywhere you are, 24/7.

"I have been dealing with it for a few years now, so I know what my part is."

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is in no doubt Van Persie is the man for the job.

"He is a leader through the way he plays, through his attitude and through his desire to win," the Arsenal manager said in his programme notes for the match.

"Robin has been at the club a long time and is also a technical leader. Thomas Vermaelen will assist him.

"It is the decision I have made and I am confident the group will respond to it."

Yesterday, the Football Association released a statement saying that Newcastle United and Arsenal have been charged with failing to control their players following Saturday’s (13 August) fixture at St James’ Park.

Both clubs have been charged following a mass confrontation of players following an incident in which Arsenal’s Gervinho was also shown a red card in the 75th minute.

Following Gervinho’s dismissal Arsenal have today lodged a claim that the standard punishment of a three-match suspension is clearly excessive. A regulatory Commission will hear that claim on 16 August.

Meanwhile Arsenal’s Alex Song has been charged separately by The FA with violent conduct following an incident earlier in the same fixture. Both clubs have until 4pm on 18 August to respond to the charge, whilst Song must reply by 6pm on 16 August.

On Monday, manager Arsene Wenger confirmed that the Gunners will appeal against Gervinho’s ban adding however that they will accept any punishment for Alex Song.

On Monday, Wenger said:

[Against Newcastle] we felt we were in control of the game, didn’t give any chances away. We are a bit frustrated by the fact that we didn’t score but the opportunities were there and overall we had a positive feeling about the way we played.

I’m likely [to appeal Gervinho's red card]. [Alex Song banned?] Yes, it’s a concern, hopefully he will not be punished but if he’s punished we will accept it.