Rangel is the Swans’ new club skipper as Britton takes on coaching duties

ANGEL Rangel has become Swansea City club captain, taking over from Leon Britton after the midfielder signed up for a player-assistant coach role at the Liberty Stadium.

Britton, 35, was added to Paul Clement’s coaching staff on Monday, filling the void left by Claude Makelele’s decision to leave the Swans and take on the head coach job at Belgian club KAS Eupen.

Rangel, also 35, has made over 370 appearances for the Welsh club since his arrival from Spanish club Terrassa in 2007, and he has skippered the side on a number of occasions.

Federico Fernandez has taken the armband for the majority of this season, with Rangel making four appearances, with just one in the Premier League.

And head coach Clement will look to others to lead the side, if Kyle Naughton continues to be preferred to Rangel in the right-back slot.

“Given his age, experience and the excellent service he has given to this club over a number of years, Angel is the right choice to be club captain,” said Clement.

“He is a great role model and a very good professional who all other players can look up to.

“His commitment to the club is obvious and the attitude he shows each and every day is very good.

“We are pleased to have him as our new club captain.

“When he is selected to start then Angel will captain the team.

“On occasions when he is not starting, I will look at the teamsheet and make a decision on who will lead the team that day.”

Rangel expressed his delight at the honour after his years of superb service to the club.

“I had a lot of dreams to achieve when I first came here,” said the Spaniard.

“One of them was to become a Premier League player, which I achieved.

“I never thought I would end up as a captain, but I am proud and honoured and full of enthusiasm after being given this chance.

“I thanked the manager. He could have chosen someone who would play a bit more regularly than me, but it is not just on the pitch that you need some leadership and I am happy to take this job.

“More game-time is always an aim for me – I am still here because I want to play games.

“I’ve got Swansea in my heart, you know that.

“I love the club and the most important thing is that we stay in the Premier League this year.”

Britton had held the role since Ashley Williams’ departure to Everton in the summer of 2016, although Jack Cork also often led the side last term when the veteran playmaker found himself out of favour.

“I am delighted. To have this opportunity is a massive moment for me and my family,” said Britton, who also added that his change of role did not signal the end of his playing career.

“I spoke to the manager, the chairman and to my family and decided it was an opportunity I should definitely take.

“I am grateful to the manager and to the chairman for having the belief in my ability to put me in this role.

“The manager has worked at some of the biggest clubs in world football – he has a vast knowledge of coaching.

“It’s great for me to have the chance to lean on him and to look at what he does every day behind the scenes and how he goes about his business.”