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Israel Soccer Captain Switches to Arsenal

Israeli soccer captain Yossi Benayoun moved to English powerhouse Arsenal just before the end of the transfer window, the team said on its web site.

The 31-year-old midfielder came to the north London side on loan from crosstown rivals Chelsea, where he had languished on the bench.

Benayoun, who is training for an Israeli national team match, confirmed the move on his Twitter page.

“Very happy and excited about it, but now my head is only in the game against grecce on friday, thanks for the support,” he wrote.

Benayoun, who once played for Maccabi Tel Aviv, made his name in the English Premier League for Liverpool where he scored 19 goals in 91 games.

Arsenal are hurting for playmakers after losing superstars Cesc Fabregas and Sami Nasri as the season kicks off.

The Gunners already signed defenders Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos, along with midfielder Mikel Arteta.

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