Pep Guardiola names new Man City captain after Kevin De Bruyne exit as Erling Haaland included among three vice-skippers

Per the Daily Mail, Guardiola has appointed Bernardo Silva as City's new captain. Kevin De Bruyne vacated the armband when he moved to Napoli, and the City boss has now personally appointed the Portugal international as skipper, instead of sticking to the club's usual process of putting the decision to a leadership group. Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland will serve as vice-captains.

Silva may only wear the armband for one season, with his contract due to expire next summer, but he has rejected several offers to leave in recent transfer windows. Saudi Arabian clubs have an interest in the midfielder, as do his former club Benfica.

Silva has stopped short of confirming anything about his future beyond the coming season, telling reporters: "I know what I'm going to do but it's not the time to talk about that. I'm very focused on my season. I'm very focused on performing well for Man City.

"When the time is due I will talk about it. I have one year on my contract so obviously I can leave next season. This season for sure will be at City, I’m going to stay.

"I've had options in the past and this year, like last year, my option is to stay at Man City."

"Bernardo has been incredible," Guardiola said of Silva's importance to City. "Eight years, no injuries. Always in the bad moments he makes a step up. He’s an example on the pitch. And when he has to say something to me or to the players, he says it for the best for the club."

Silva will likely captain City when they face Wydad AC in their first game of the Club World Cup on Wednesday.