Official | Pedro Chirivella handed Nantes captaincy

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