Chelsea confirm Reece James as new club captain adhering to the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta
James inherits the armband from Cesar Azpilicueta following his summer season exitThe 23-yr-outdated has designed 147 appearances soon after graduating from the academyJames was picked out as Chelsea captain in the course of the club’s pre-period US tour
Chelsea have verified Reece James as the club’s new captain pursuing the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta this summertime.
James has made 147 appearances for the initially-staff since graduating from the academy in 2018, acquiring joined the club as a six calendar year aged.
The 23-yr-outdated, who has also acquired 15 intercontinental caps for England, speedily founded himself in the Chelsea squad and was an integral portion of the workforce that gained the Champions League in 2021.
Soon after the announcement on Wednesday, James spoke of his pride in pursuing in the footsteps of preceding Chelsea skippers and admitted it was a ‘great feeling’ to be the new wearer of the armband.
‘I’m so delighted to take on the position and duty,’ he instructed the club’s internet site. ‘I know I have acquired significant shoes to fill since we have experienced large captains in this article in the earlier, but I am energized.
Chelsea have announced 23-calendar year-outdated academy graduate Reece James as their new captain
Mauricio Pochettino praised the defender’s frame of mind and dedication after setting up James as captain for Chelsea summer months tour of the US
Chelsea wanted a new skipper immediately after Cesar Azpilicueta identified as time on his 11-12 months Blues remain
‘I have been at Chelsea quite a great deal my total lifetime. I started listed here when I was six and to appear by the Academy is rough. But to go on and come to be captain, it truly is a excellent sensation for me and my household.’
James will take the mantle from Azpilicueta, who joined LaLiga side Atletico Madrid past month, ending his 11-calendar year remain at Stamford Bridge and four-year run as Chelsea captain.
James has created 147 appearances for the very first-workforce considering the fact that graduating from the academy in 2018
The right back will hope to hold keep of the armband lengthier than the Spaniard or his predecessor Gary Cahill, who was Chelsea skipper for just two seasons.
As a substitute, Blues legends like Dennis Smart and John Terry, who had been captains for 8 and 13 yrs respectively, will without doubt be his inspiration.
New manager Mauricio Pochettino lauded James’ mindset and determination, as he and his new skipper hope to direct the club into a period of time of results subsequent a summer season of alter.
‘This is a decision taken by me and the club,’ he stated. ‘We are quite happy Reece will captain the facet this time.
‘He qualified prospects by example and his perspective and dedication to Chelsea has been clear throughout pre-period. He proudly wore the armband in the course of our summer tour and will just take up the problem of leading our squad with his own technique and concepts.’
Chelsea get their Leading League marketing campaign underway on Sunday versus top 4 rivals Liverpool, who will also be led out onto the pitch by a new face in Virgil van Dijk subsequent Jordan Henderson’s summer time departure.