Chelsea confirm new club captain after Cesar Azpilicueta transfer exit as fans say ‘legend… one of our own’

CHELSEA have named Reece James as their new club captain.

It comes after the departure of long-serving club legend Cesar Azpilcueta.

ReutersReece James has been named as Chelsea’s new captain[/caption]

James has been at Chelsea since the age of sixChelsea FC

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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.

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.

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.

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