Nedum Onuoha was a mixture of gobsmacked and grins this morning when named QPR’s captain for the coming season.
The 28-year-old will replace Joey Barton as the man pulling on the armband, knowing also his next competitive appearance in a Rangers shirt will be his 100th in all competitions for the club.
The defender who half-joked he would reincarnate as a striker if he could, also took a leaf out of one of the greatest, if not the greatest, player of all time.
“It’s a real honour and a privilege. Was it a surprise? Yes it was,” he added.
“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,” he told the club’s website while in training camp in Italy.
Head coach Chris Ramsey reckoned his choice was a no-brainer.
“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.”
