Reece James has been named new captain of Chelsea.

The defender succeeds Cesar Azpilicueta after his departure for Atletico Madrid.

James has been with the club since the age of six and 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, John Terry being one, Gary Cahill and even Azpilicueta who has just left.

“These are three huge captains and they have big legacies at the club. they played here for a number of years, but I am excited.

“I have been at Chelsea my whole life. To come through the academy is tough enough. There were probably a number of occasions when I wasn't going to stay at Chelsea.

“I wasn't good enough at the time. I kept on working hard to get to a level, and to receive the captaincy is a great feeling for me and my family."