By Our Correspondent
Chelsea have confirmed that Reece James will be the club’s new captain, succeeding Cesar Azpilicueta who departed the club earlier in the summer. Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino had refused to name a permanent captain during the club’s tour of the USA, first wanting to get to know the squad before naming his choice ahead of Liverpool.
Nevertheless, James was one of the more regular candidates to wear the armband and appeared to take pride in lifting the Premier League Summer Series trophy along with Thiago Silva, after each captained half of the final match of the tournament against Fulham.
James said: “I’m so happy to take on the role and responsibility. I know I’ve got big shoes to fill because we have had huge captains here in the past, but I am excited.
“I have been at Chelsea pretty much my whole life. I started here when I was six and to come through the Academy is tough. But to go on and become captain, it’s a great feeling for me and my family.”
The likes of Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Ben Chilwell have also worn the armband over the summer months. However, Pochettino believes James will be able to take his own approach to leadership with the additional responsibility.
