Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has been snubbed for the role of Chelsea vice-captain as Serbia defender, Branislav Ivanovic, is preferred in his place.
Ahead of Chelsea’s pre-season tie against New York, the Serb was informed of his new role ending speculations about the Nigerian assuming that role.
With a total of 224 appearances, the former Lyn Oslo man is currently Chelsea second longest serving player after skipper, John Terry with Ivanovic coming third with 215 appearances.
Ivanovic, as is only to be expected, is honoured to be asked to assume the senior position.
“I am really so happy,” the 31-year-old told 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.
“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.”
The vice-captain position has been undertaken for many years by Frank Lampard with Didier Drogba and Petr Cech deputising for the Englishman.
Meanwhile, Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has voiced out his view about the Chelsea captaincy saga tipping Mikel to become the club’s captain in the future.
“Mikel is, after John, the guy with most years of Chelsea,” Mourinho told Dailymail.co.uk
“I think (Cesc) Fabregas has personality for a captain too. Eden is coming with big status now and was voted one of the top 10 players in Europe last year.
“In my opinion he should be in the top three not in the top 10. Let’s see what is going to happen but we have these people. But let’s say John and Branislav are our captains and the others are ready to come,” he said.
Mikel recently ended speculation over his Chelsea future by insisting he is happy at Stamford Bridge.
The 28-year-old was linked with the likes of Al Ain and Fenerbahce during the transfer window but remained with the Blues despite the interest.
