New Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has named his permanent captain ahead of the Blues’ Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
The Italian tactician confirmed defender Gary Cahill as club captain during his pre-match press conference for the London Derby meeting with the Eagles at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The former Napoli boss also stated that Spanish international right-back Cesar Azpilicueta will always wear the captain’s armband if Gary Cahill is not on the pitch.
The recently retired England international centre back performed the captaincy role under former manager Antonio Conte in the last campaign in the aftermath of the exit of Blues’ legend and longtime club skipper John Terry.
Maurizio Sarri thereafter pointed out that the decision to hand the 32-year-old a permanent captaincy role does not determine whether he will stay at the club until the end of this season.
The former Bolton Wanderers defender has been linked with a move away from the club following the lack of playing time since Maurizio Sarri replaced Antonio Conte as the Chelsea manager in the summer.
Sarri has preferred the centre back duo of David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger for the majority of the new season especially in the Premier League.
He was previously linked with a potential reunion with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.
Cahill played for him while he was the Chelsea manager.
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