Queens Park Rangers defender Nedum Onuoha says he is looking forward to the challenge of captaining the club in the upcoming Sky Bet Championship season.
The 28-year-old has been named first-team captain by manager Chris Ramsey, replacing team-mate Clint Hill, who has held the armband since January 2013.Onuoha admitted his appointment to the role was somewhat unexpected, and wants to continue showing leadership qualities on the field.
“Was it a surprise? Yes it was," he told QPR's official website.
“I think it was Pele that said that he never wanted to be captain, but he wanted to be a leader on the pitch. I’ve always tried to be that person, but to have the official title now feels great.
“I’m very close to all the players and can pretty much speak to anyone.
“I’m not a youngster anymore and I’ve been here three years, so I know the club and the way things work here.
“I’m really pleased and relishing the challenge that the role will bring.”
Manager Ramsey says Onuoha is the ideal professional, and is excited to see him in action again for the Hoops next month.
“I’ve been so impressed with Nedum in my short time here and I firmly believe he is the right man to lead us next season,” he said.
“He’s a leader on and off the pitch and a great ambassador for this club in terms of the way he goes about his business.
“His professionalism is second to none and combined with what he brings to us on the pitch, he is real captain’s material.
“Clint [Hill] will continue as club captain and in him and Nedum, we’ve two men who have the full respect of their team-mates and supporters, and are a huge part of the QPR family.”