CHELSEA fans are convinced they know the reason why Thiago Silva keeps rejecting the captain’s armband.
Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino named Reece James as the club’s new captain earlier this summer following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta.
However, the full-back sustained a hamstring injury just one game into the new season.
Ben Chilwell has since been handed the armband, but the defender briefly passed it over to Thiago Silva after being substituted during Friday’s clash with Luton.
Rather than accepting the captaincy for the final few minutes of the game, Silva told Enzo Fernandez to take the armband instead.
Fans are now convinced they know why the Brazilian rejected the chance to lead the team.
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A famous quote from Jose Mourinho resurfaced on social media earlier this week.
The now-Roma boss previously discussed the difference between a leader and a captain.
He said: “Being a captain and wearing the armband doesn’t mean being a leader. I had a captain who couldn’t be a leader.
“People associate wearing the armband with being the team leader. It’s not like that. Several times the captain is not the leader – Javier Zanetti and John Terry, yes they were.”
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Mourinho added: “You can’t buy leaders, or create leaders but when you have a leader on your team, your team is one step ahead.
“Unfortunately, the world of football is now all about image and people focus more on those who claim to be the leaders, rather than those who really are.”
Chelsea fans were quick to react to the quote after watching Silva snub the armband.
One person tweeted: “Perfect explanation for Thiago Silva giving the armband to Enzo last night even when Chilwell gave it to him when his number came up.”
Another wrote: “Thiago Silva and Reece James.”
While a third agreed, adding: “Just like current Chelsea James and Thiago Silva.”
Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 win over Luton on Friday.
Raheem Sterling scored the first two goals of the game before Nicolas Jackson clinched his first Blues goal in the 75th minute.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
