Vermaelen ´fed up´ of left-sided role

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has revealed that he wants to shift back into the centre of defence.

The 26-year-old Belgium international has been a rock in Arsenal’s backline since he arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Ajax in 2009, despite being plagued with injuries.

He has been in impressive form so far this season, but has been asked to fill in at left-back because of the the Londoners’ chronic injury problems in the full-back positions.

“I am fed up playing at left-back,” Vermaelen told the People.

“I don’t think I am good there – I want to achieve my highest level and I can’t do that on the left.”

“I play there to help the team but it gives me no satisfaction as I can’t reach my best standard.”

“I do my job but seldom feel content after matches. If the team wins I am happy, but it remains frustrating.”

The former Ajax man has also revealed his disappointment at losing the national side’s captaincy to Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany.

“I’m not happy about it. I was proud to wear the armband,” Vermaelen said.