I chose him for his humility, his comradeship and his commitment - Almeyda explains decision to make Trezeguet new River Plate captain

28/07/2012 3:00:00 AM

The forward, who scored two goals to seal Los Millonarios' return to the Primera Division, was recently named skipper less than a year after his return to Buenos Aires

Coach Matias Almeyda has outlined his reasons for making David Trezeguet the captain of River Plate.

The former France international only arrived in Buenos Aires in December 2011, but after playing an integral role in the Argentine outfit's promotion to the top flight, he has been given the honour of leading Los Millonarios in this season's Primera Division campaign.

And Almeyda was full of praise when explaining exactly why the 34-year-old former Juventus striker was his first choice.

"Firstly, for his career, for all it means in Argentine football and globally," the former River midfielder told Ole.

"I chose him for the characteristics he demonstrates in every capacity, for his humility, for his comradeship and his commitment - I think the captain should have all of that.

"Captains must fight for their peers, advise them in terms of how to train and how to eat, and be examples to all.

"Now we must try to maintain a good dialogue in order to try to take the group as far as possible."

River clinched their return to the Primera Division with a 2-0 win over Almirante Brown, with Trezeguet, who grew up in Buenos Aires, netting both goals.