09 August 2023 , 16:19
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Reece James has been confirmed as Chelsea's new club captain, taking over from Cesar Azpilicueta.
Former club captain Azpilicueta left Stamford Bridge over the summer after more than a decade in West London. James wore the armband during Chelsea's pre-season tour as manager Mauricio Pochettino waited to make an official decision, and the academy graduate now has it on a permanent basis.
"This is a decision taken by me and the club," Pochettino said after making his first major call since taking over as manager this year. "We are very pleased Reece will captain the side this season.
"He leads by example and his attitude and dedication to Chelsea has been clear throughout pre-season. He proudly wore the armband during our summer tour and will take up the challenge of leading our squad with his own approach and ideas."
James, who has spent his entire career at Chelsea, is set to begin his role as club captain on Sunday. The Blues begin their Premier League campaign at home to Liverpool as they aim to improve on last season's 12th-place finish.
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"I'm so happy to take on the role and responsibility,' the England international said. "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"'
James made his debut for Chelsea at the start of the 2019-20 season, during Frank Lampard's first spell in the dugout. He is now closing in on 100 Premier League appearances for his boyhood club, and is just shy of 150 outings in all competitions.
Since breaking into the first team at Stamford Bridge, he has also established himself as a senior England international. He made his first senior tournament appearance at Euro 2020, but missed out on the 2022 World Cup through injury.
"Reece’s connection with Chelsea has been forged over 17 years," co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said in a statement. "He understands the traditions of the club and the responsibilities that come with being captain.
"He knows the standards required to win at this club – both from his time in the Academy and the first team – and it is a very proud moment for Reece and everyone connected to the club."
Azpilicueta, James' predecessor as captain, completed a move to Atletico Madrid during the close-season. The Spanish international was praised by charman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali at the time.
"Cesar leaves an everlasting mark at Chelsea, as a warrior, as a champion, and as a loyal Chelsea legend," Boehly and Eghbali said in a joint statement. "He has set the standards at the club for more than a decade and demonstrated to everyone what is required day in, day out to achieve success."