Rangel proud to lead Swans

Angel Rangel has spoken of his pride at being named captain of Swansea City, declaring: “This club is in my heart.”

Paul Clement has handed the armband to Rangel following Leon Britton’s switch to a new player-assistant coach role at the Liberty Stadium.

And Rangel is full of pride having been chosen as the man to lead Clement’s squad.

“It’s a great honour for me to take over after Leon,” he said.

“Hopefully I can help as much as possible on the pitch and off it.

“It was the manager’s decision. He came to me and said I am the longest-serving player, I know the club inside out and how things work here.

“I am very delighted and proud to be given the role and I will try to be as good as I can.”

Rangel has made only one Premier League appearance so far this season, and acknowledges that Clement might have chosen a player who has been playing more regularly to take over from Britton.

But the Swans manager feels Rangel is the right man to lead his squad.

Whenever he is on the pitch, the right-back will skipper Clement’s team. If Rangel is not playing, Clement will decide who is captain that day.

“I had a lot of dreams to achieve when I first came here,” Rangel added. “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.

“Now, as captain, I feel that even more. If I play, I will be super-delighted, if I don’t, I just want the team to do well.”

Rangel follows the likes of Britton, Ashley Williams, Garry Monk and Roberto Martinez by being named club skipper of the Swans.

He takes the job on at a time when Clement’s side are in need of an upturn in fortunes, and feels spirit will be key to their hopes of turning form around.

“I think when we are going through a tough spell like we are at the moment, it’s important that everyone sticks together and that starts with me.

“I can bring experience, some leadership alongside other players, a lot of team spirit I hope.

“The team spirit is one of the most important things in football. I think we have it here and I want to keep that going or even improve it if I can.”