Arsenal have named Patrick Vieira as the club's vice-captain for the new season, increasing the likelihood that the French midfielder will remain at Highbury.
Vieira was quoted by British newspapers over the summer as saying he wanted to leave the English premier league club and criticising their new signings.
But the 25-year-old has since returned to pre-season training and wore the captain's armband in a 4-2 friendly victory over Norwich City on Tuesday in the absence of club captain Tony Adams.
"Patrick Vieira has been appointed club vice-captain for this season," Arsenal said in a statement today.
Vieira, a World Cup and European championship winner with France, joined Arsenal from AC Milan five years ago.
Media reports have linked him with moves to Spanish club Real Madrid and English champions Manchester United.
