Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has decided against handing Thiago Silva the captaincy, according to the Daily Telegraph. The Brazilian is expected to be officially announced as a Blues player very shortly and it was rumoured that the 35-year-old would be given the armband.

However, it appears that Cesar Azpilicueta will remain club captain for the upcoming season. Talk of the Spaniard being stripped of the captaincy was surprising when the news first emerged, considering the fullback commands the respect of both the players and the fans.

It was thought that Lampard was concerned about the lack of leadership in the backline but Silva’s experience will certainly prove invaluable no matter what level of responsibility he is given in the squad.

The Brazilian international has completed a medical in Italy, with the Telegraph reporting that he has now signed a one-year contract with an option to extend for a further season if things go well.