Chelsea vice captain: Branislav Ivanovic given the honour

Branislav Ivanovic has expressed his pride in becoming Chelsea’s official vice-captain, but insists that he will not step on skipper John Terry’s toes.

Begovic’s time at Chelsea did not get off to the best start by conceding four goals in the 4-2 defeat to New York Red Bulls last week, but he looked better in the 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain at the weekend.

The 31-year-old defender is happy Jose Mourinho has strengthened his squad with the acquisition of the ex-Stoke goalkeeper as a direct replacement for Petr Cech, while Manchester United misfit Falcao replaces departed club legend Didier Drogba.

Ivanovic said: “I am really so happy”.

‘It was tough for the fact that I had a lot of ties and good relationships with Stoke City after five-and-a-half years and it was hard to leave it behind.

The new club vice-captain has also talked up the atmosphere at the club which he feels will help Falcao and Begovic settle in to life as Chelsea players. “This is something extra for me, more responsibility, and I will try to do it well for the team”, he explained. “Hopefully every time I can show everybody what I’m all about and ultimately help this team”.

‘I hope that this is a platform to build on and I believe that this season we can gradually progress and challenge for the top spots. Maybe the first game we didn’t play well because we were a little bit exhausted, but with the freshness will come more. “We will want to win and it will probably be a great game”.

Chelsea will play their final pre-season game against Barcelona tomorrow night before they take on Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday.