He told the club's matchday programme: "I'm older than a lot of the lads, so I try and take that responsibility and I feel like I've always been a good team player that's just something that I do. When the lads are coming in after a hard game win, lose or draw someone's there to meet the lads and say 'well done'.
"This season, I think my role has changed slightly, as it's quite a young squad and we've obviously had quite a lot of injuries and stuff. Azpi (Cesar Azpiicueta) was PFA rep and I've stepped into that role this year.
"I've definitely taken on more of a senior role with the outfield players as well in that sense and I've really enjoyed it. But I've always been there for the lads, win lose or draw, and I've always tried to keep morale up and keep the lads energised."