Belgium Manager Rudi Garcia Announces Youri Tielemans as Permanent National Team Captain

Belgium's FIFA World Cup qualifiers have seen a significant change in leadership, as Rudi Garcia has appointed Youri Tielemans as the new captain of the national team. This decision comes after a unanimous vote of support from the team members, making Tielemans the fifth different player to wear the armband under Garcia's leadership.

Tielemans, who has been one of five contenders for the captaincy, expressed his pride in being chosen for the role. He said, "I am honoured and proud to have been named captain of the Belgium national team. I will do my best to lead this talented group and make our country proud."

Despite the new responsibility, Tielemans insists that his attitude among the squad will not change. He stated, "I am the same person, and I will continue to work hard and give my all for the team."

The Leicester City midfielder follows in the footsteps of Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Meunier, and Tielemans himself, who have all previously captained Belgium under Garcia. Maxim De Cuyper, who represented Belgium as captain before Tielemans, will now return to his role as vice-captain.

Belgium currently have four points from their first two World Cup qualifiers, and their next match is against Liechtenstein, marking their first encounter. With Tielemans as the skipper going forward, the team will undoubtedly look to build upon their strong start in the qualifiers.

Rudi Garcia, in making this decision, acknowledged the importance of each player in the squad, but felt that Tielemans' leadership qualities made him the right choice for the captaincy. As the team prepares for their upcoming match, fans and supporters alike are excited to see Tielemans lead Belgium in their quest for World Cup glory.

Belgium Manager Rudi Garcia Announces Youri Tielemans as Permanent National Team Captain