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.
Manager Jose Mourinho informed Ivanovic that he will be acting as deputy to Terry prior to the Blues' pre-season 4-2 defeat to MLS side New York Red Bulls in the US last week.
"I am really so happy," Ivanovic told the club's official website. "I am very proud of that, to be the vice-captain of this team. This is something extra for me, more responsibility, and I will try to do it well for the team.
"I am doing what I was doing before, trying to do my best. I will try to do that in the future as well but basically not a lot of things change. John Terry is the real captain and leader."
Chelsea, who are yet to win a pre-season game, will take on Barcelona on Wednesday in Washington DC.