Photo: Equipos de fútbol / CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Dario Essugo wore the captain's armband for Chelsea's final pre-season tour match against Johor Darul Ta'zim in Malaysia on Sunday, a 3-3 draw that concluded a five-game summer trip taking in Sydney, Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Liam Delap converted two penalties and a late own goal completed the scoring against the Malaysian champions. Essugo led Chelsea out as skipper for the first time in what he described as an unexpected honour.
'It was a surprise to be captain, but for me, it was a pleasure,' the midfielder said after the game. 'I didn't expect to be captain at this age for this big club, so for me it's just a pleasure, and I enjoyed it a lot. For me it means everything, because I didn't expect it.'
Essugo credited the decision to new manager Xabi Alonso, who took charge at the start of the summer. 'I'm enjoying working with the manager. He was a very good player. It was a surprise that he gave me the captaincy but I'm very happy. He's a very good person, so for me this is the most important thing.'
The 21-year-old also reflected on what the armband represented beyond the individual gesture. 'I feel like it's a message for me and for all the players, that it's not about the age, but maybe about your maturity, so it's about learning and staying positive.'
Essugo noted the reception Chelsea received throughout the tour, including supporters waiting at the team hotel at 3am following a late arrival. 'It means everything to play in front of fans around the world. This is huge for us,' he said.
Chelsea return to their Cobham training base to continue preparations for the coming Premier League campaign.