Former Arsenal defender to return Champions League medal

Former Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen will be forced to return his Champions League winners medal after not playing in the competition for Barcelona.

Vermaelen along with Claudio Bravo, Jordi Masip and Douglas must return their medals after not featuring in the tournament this season after UEFA called on Barca because they do not view them as winners.

The Belgian central defender left Arsenal last summer for a move to Barcelona but made just one appearance in La Liga’s final game of the season against Deportivo.

Injuries and the form of Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano have his chance of appearances hard to come by and it is not yet confirmed if he will remain at the club past the summer.

Former club Arsenal were set for a £3m payout if Vermaelen won the Champions League but UEFA’s decision for him to return the medal has since that clause annulled.