Reece James Named Chelsea’s New Captain To Replace Azpilicueta

• Reece James has been named captain of Chelsea ahead of the new football season
• The England right-back will replace Cesar Azpilicueta who left the club this summer
• Azpilicueta spent 11 years at the Blues and joined Atletico Madrid on a one-year deal

Chelsea boss, Mauricio Pochettino, has named Reece James as the club's new captain.

The Blues have been without a skipper following the departure of veteran, Cesar Azpilicueta.

According to Sky Sports, Azpilicueta left Stamford Bridge after 11 years with the West London club to join Atletico Madrid on a free transfer.

The Spaniard made over 500 appearances in the famous blue shirt, winning nine major trophies in the process.

James has been wearing the armband during Chelsea's pre-season campaign, as Pochettino waited to confirm him as the new captain.

James named new Chelsea captain

The Blues academy graduate now has the armband on a permanent basis, with the decision made official on Wednesday ahead of the start of the new season.

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"This is a decision taken by me and the club. We are very pleased Reece will captain the side this season," The Mirror quoted Pochettino as saying.

The Argentine manager cited how James led by example and his dedication to Chelsea throughout the pre-season.

"[James] 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 is set to begin his new role as the Blues' captain on Sunday, August 13. The London side begin their Premier League campaign at home to Liverpool.

James praises sister after wonder goal

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on James hailing his sister, Lauren James, after she dropped a player-of-the-match performance at the ongoing Women's World Cup.

The Chelsea midfielder scored the only goal of the game as the Lionesses beat Denmark in their second game of Group D at the Sydney Football Stadium in Australia.

James needed only six minutes of her first-ever start in a World Cup game to get on the scoresheet, curing in a beautiful ball that left Lene Christensen helpless.