-
Chelsea name Reece James as club captain ahead of new Premier League season.
- Why I picked Reece James as new Chelsea captain – Pochettino
Chelsea has officially announced Reece James as the new club captain, taking over the role following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta during the summer.
Azpilicueta, who had been with Chelsea for 11 years, left the club and joined Atletico Madrid as a free agent at the end of the 2022–23 season, relinquishing the captaincy in the process.
Contrary to speculations that experienced captain Thiago Silva would succeed Azpilicueta, the honor has been bestowed upon Reece James, a product of Chelsea’s academy.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 9, 2023
Expressing his excitement about the appointment, James spoke to the club’s official website: “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.”
Let's hear from Reece! 🎙 pic.twitter.com/qBsvRT5ySF
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 9, 2023
Mauricio Pochettino, the new manager, explained the rationale behind appointing James as captain: “This is a decision taken by me and the club. We are very pleased Reece will captain the side this season. He leads by example, and his attitude and dedication to Chelsea have 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.”
In addition to Reece James assuming the captaincy, the club has also announced that Ben Chilwell, the left-back, will serve as his deputy in the role of vice-captain.