Maurizio Sarri has finally confirmed that Gary Cahill is his choice as Chelsea captain this season.
Sarri took over in July but wanted to take time before announcing who the permanent skipper is.
Cesar Azpilicueta has worn the armband on the majority of occasions as he has been used far more in all competitions. Eden Hazard was being considered too as part of the club's bid to persuade him to sign a new deal.
But Cahill, who was given the honour by former manager Antonio Conte last season, has got the nod.
Sarri said: "As we have seen in the last matches, the captain is Cahill, like in the last match. When he isn’t on the pitch our captain is Azpilicueta. Our captain is Cahill.
“Cahill was the captain last season. I spoke with his teammates and they all told me he really was a very good captain."
The former England international revealed earlier in the season that he was considering leaving in January in order to get more first team football.
Cahill has suggested since then that he will see out the campaign, but Sarri says naming him captain doesn't guarantee he will stay till May.
He added: "Cahill, it depends on him. He played very often in the last seven or eight matches.
"I don’t know (if he will stay). It depends on him and the club. For me Cahill is very important on the pitch and out of the pitch.”
