Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has said that he is excited to finally get the chance to play at Beijing's famous 'Bird's Nest' stadium.

Vermaelen is captaining the Gunners on a pre-season tour of Asia, which includes a glamorous friendly against Manchester City at the 80,000-capacity venue on Friday.

The Belgian centre-back told the club's official website: "Four years ago I was in China for the Olympics with the Belgian national team. We travelled all over the country, not just Beijing, and it was the first time I had been to China.

"We didn't play in the Bird's Nest, but I went to the stadium to watch the athletics, and it was a great experience. It looks fantastic, and I think the atmosphere will be great as well."

The 26-year-old is a leading contender to take over the Arsenal captaincy permanently if Robin van Persie gets his wish to leave the Gunners this summer.

Written by
Liam Power