Admission: Thomas Vermaelen says he deserves a bench role at Arsenal (Picture: Action Images)

Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen has acknowledged his mixed form for the club this season and says he understands why he has been dropped from the team.

Vermaelen has been benched for the Gunners’ last two matches, including the Champions League last 16 tie with Bayern Munich and their crunch league clash with Swansea.

Arsenal won both games and Vermaelen says he is aware that he’s been dropped because of his poor performances but is determined to put it right if given a recall.

‘I have made mistakes,’ said Vermaelen.


‘If I played flawlessly in all the matches I would be Lionel Messi. As a footballer you know you what may happen when you play badly.



‘I’m not worried though – it’s only the last games, I have played about 35 times this season. This is Arsenal, they are not a bad team and there is a lot of competition.’

Working hard: Vermaelen is training hard to turn around his form (Picture: Action Images)

The comments will do little to placate widespread speculation in the last few weeks that Vermaelen could be moved on in the summer, with Barcelona and AC Milan known to hold an interest in the player.

However, Arsene Wenger has since admitted he is determined to keep the Belgian centre-back at the club, and insists he has not lost faith in his skipper.

He has a fantastic attitude and motivation and is a very important part of our squad,’ said the Frenchman.

Vermaelen is contracted to Arsenal until 2015.