Just read a good article today from Arsenal's Monthly magazine at Borders.

In July(2006), he made very outspoken comments about Henry's departure and questioned the club's ambition and transfer policy. He even hinted at leaving the club, unhappy with the club's supposed lack of ambition. Then during the summer, (Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger had a good chat with him about his career and the club's ambition, and he made a big decision. He decided he was going to stay on and fight for the club, and that he wanted added responsibility. He was (to the surprise of many) given the captain's armband for the ongoing 07-08 season, and has really defied his doubters, leading by example and even coming up with crucial goals against Manchester and Chelsea in the league.

And as aptly put by Wenger:

"He made a big U-turn in the summer. Now, he isn't just on board, he's one of the driving forces of the team, and their success this term."

This is none other than Arsenal's inspirational captain Willian Gallas. And he has certainly earned so much of my respect over the season. Not just the goals (which he as a defender has no right to score but still does), but also in the way he has presented himself and led the team. At the start of the season, I, like many other Arsenal fans, was shocked at the decision to appoint him as captain - he had only just come in a year ago from London rivals Chelsea, and kept moaning about the club's lack of ambition in their transfer policy....letting stars like Henry go away. Yet, he has shown his leadership qualities over the season and is certainly as important a player to us as Fabregas, Hleb or Adebayor, in an amazing season so far where more and more critics are made to swallow their words and eat humble pie this season.

Gallas is certainly a role model for me. I may not be the equivalent of "captain" or "driving force" of my cg, but it is certainly something i aspire to be. And I have made my big U-turn.