Source: Daily_Mail
Coloccini replacing Nolan as Newcastle's new captain
[LNB] Captain, my captain: Fabricio Coloccini[LNB]Argentinian defender Fabricio Coloccini has been named Newcastle's new captain.[LNB]The Magpies confirmed that the 29-year-old will succeed departed midfielder Kevin Nolan as skipper for the new Premier League season.[LNB]Coloccini said: 'I am thrilled to be named captain of Newcastle United. It is one of the proudest moments of my career.[LNB]'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.[LNB]'I would also like to thank (manager) Alan Pardew for putting his faith in me. It means so much to me.'[LNB]The announcement completes a remarkable transformation for the South American, who arrived on Tyneside in a ?10.3million switch from Deportivo la Coruna in August 2008 during Kevin Keegan's ill-fated second spell in charge at St James' Park.[LNB]Argentina international Coloccini endured an immensely difficult first season in English football which ended with relegation from the Barclays Premier League.[LNB]However, he rebuilt his reputation in the Coca-Cola 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.[LNB]Coloccini was one of a handful of candidates for the armband considered by Pardew following Nolan's sale to West Ham with keeper Steve Harper, defender Steven Taylor and midfielder Joey Barton among those touted as possible replacements.[LNB]The manager said: 'I had no hesitation in choosing Fabricio to be my captain next season.[LNB]'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.'[LNB] Wise move: Barton has backed boss Pardew's new appointment [LNB] Joey Barton has backed Coloccini's appointment, with his own Newcastle future still in doubt.[LNB]The the 28-year-old used his Twitter account to express his support for Coloccini.[LNB]He tweeted: 'I'm happy for Colo and it's probably the correct decision given my precarious contract situation, gives stability.[LNB]'I'll be a leader without an armband and I'll be there for Colo as well as all the lads regardless.[LNB]'Selfishly, it lets me concentrate on playing well every week.'[LNB] CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL GAMEWho's This Charming Man? Barton parades new quiff... days after Morrissey meetingWe won't waste ?35m Carroll cash, insist Toon as Llambias defends spendingAll the latest Newcastle news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB]
