Official | Pedro Chirivella handed Nantes captaincy | OneFootball

Spanish midfielder Pedro Chirivella (26) is the new FC Nantes captain, Les Canaris manager Pierre Aristouy has announced this Friday. The former Liverpool player signed on a free transfer three years ago. The Spaniard quickly established himself as the side’s overall best midfielder. Last year, he put pen to paper over a contract extension, tying him to FC Nantes until 2026. Despite a groin injury, Chirivella made an early return to the side last season to help them keep their Ligue 1 status.

“I informed the players this morning that Pedro Chirivella will captain the team this season“, Aristouy said in his pre-game press conference. Nantes will kick off their Ligue 1 season on Sunday at home against Toulouse, in a rehash of last year’s one-sided Coupe de France final. The Nantes head coach revealed that former captain Samuel Moutoussamy as well as centre-back Jean-Charles Castelletto would be vice-captains.

“It is a great responsability“, beamed Chirivella. “But it won’t change who I am on the pitch. I’ll still be myself. I think I already had a leading role without the armband.” The former Liverpool man featured 107 times for Nantes.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval