Fabricio Coloccini replaces departed Kevin Nolan as Newcastle captain

Posted Saturday, July 09, 2011 by theguardian.com

• Argentinian defender 'thrilled' to be given the leadership job
• Completes a remarkable turnaround after a difficult beginning

Fabricio Coloccini replaces departed Kevin Nolan as Newcastle captain
Fabricio Coloccini, right, has described being made Newcastle captain as 'a great honour'.

Fabricio Coloccini has been named Newcastle United's new captain, succeeding the departed midfielder Kevin Nolan.Coloccini described the accolade as "one of the proudest moments of my career".

"Leading the team out in front of our supporters in our first game against Arsenal will be a great honour for me and I aim to give my best for the team and the supporters throughout the season," said the Argentina defender.

"I would also like to thank [the manager] Alan Pardew for putting his faith in me. It means so much to me."

The announcement completes a remarkable transformation for the 29-year-old Argentinian, who arrived on Tyneside in a £10.3m switch from Deportivo La Coruña in August 2008 during Kevin Keegan's ill-fated second spell in charge at St James' Park.

Coloccini endured an immensely difficult first season in English football which ended with relegation from the Premier League. However, he rebuilt his reputation in the Championship to the extent that he established himself as a firm favourite with the fans, and a fine first campaign back in the top flight cemented his status as one of the club's more dependable performers.

Coloccini was one of a handful of candidates for the armband considered by Pardew following Nolan's sale to West Ham, with the goalkeeper Steve Harper, the defender Steven Taylor, and the midfielder Joey Barton among those touted as possible replacements.

The manager said: "I had no hesitation in choosing Fabricio to be my captain next season. He will lead the team in a different manner to Kevin, but his professionalism, attitude, application and fantastic character made him the stand-out candidate and, in my mind, the 100% right decision."