Chelsea names Branislav Ivanovic vice-captain
Chelsea has announced that full-back Branislav Ivanovic has been named the club's new vice-captain.
"I am really so happy," the 31-year-old tells the official Chelsea website.
"I am very proud of that, to be the vice-captain of this team. This is something extra for me, more responsibility, and I will try to do it well for the team."
Branislav Ivanovic has spoken of his pride after becoming the new vice-captain of @ChelseaFC... #CFCTour http://t.co/umM7Crlq6X
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 28, 2015
Ivanovic will deputize in captain John Terry's absence, assuming the position held by club legend Frank Lampard prior to his transfer to Major League Soccer's New York City FC.
The 2014-15 PFA Premier League right-back of the year - a season that saw the 79-time-capped Serbian play in all of the club's 38 Premier League matches - sounds both proud and optimistic about his new role.
"I am doing what I was doing before, trying to do my best. I will try to do that in the future as well but basically not a lot of things change. John Terry is the real captain and leader."
Chelsea's first competitive match of the season is Sunday's Community Shield match against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium.