CHELSEA have named Reece James as their new club captain.
It comes after the departure of long-serving club legend Cesar Azpilcueta.
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Azpilicueta penned his exit from the club in an emotional six-minute video in early July.
The Spaniard was seen in a flood of tears as he called time on his 11-year stay at Stamford Bridge, before heading to Atletico Madrid.
But Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has now selected James as the club’s next captain.
The 23-year-old has been one of the Blues best players since breaking into the first-team in 2019, having been in the club’s Academy since the age of six.
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On his promotion to captain, 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.”
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Pochettino described the England international as someone who “leads by example”.
Fans were also left delighted by the decision.
One fan wrote: “So this is what it feels like to be happy for someone else.”
A second said: “My captain 💙.”
“Legend. One of our own,” declared a third.
A fourth typed: “Fully deserved 💙.”
Another remarked: “What an achievement.”
Meanwhile, a sixth added: “In terms of academy achievement this is about as good as it gets. I am gassed.”
James has played 147 times for Chelsea, scoring 11 goals.
His exploits have seen him lift the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Chelsea kick-off their Premier League campaign with a tough test against Liverpool on Sunday.
It has been announced that Anthony Taylor – who officiated the same match last season – will whistle the game, though Taylor has his share of controversy when officiating Chelsea games.
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Fans started a petition to ban him from Chelsea games following his performance after the Blues first clash with Tottenham last season.
It has also been announced that the club are facing a fine and points deduction from a Prem investigation into their financial affairs under Roman Abramovich.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
