Geremi enjoying leadership

'Mandela' has taken to captaincy

By Andrew Scurr   Last updated: 11th October 2007

Geremi enjoying leadership

Geremi: Leader

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Newcastle midfielder Geremi has taken captaincy in his stride after being handed the armband by Sam Allardyce.

Geremi moved to St James' Park from Chelsea in the summer and was quickly installed as the new club captain following Scott Parker's departure.

The Cameroon international has earned the nickname Mandela with his team-mates and is happy to be leading the troops.

"I take my responsibilities at this club very seriously and even more so now that the manager has made me captain," he told the Daily Express.

"I realise I need to be a leader and help the other players where I can, so I am very proud to have that role.

"I have the nickname Mandela - maybe it is because I am a bit of a diplomat. I have a lot of experience also, so that could be the reason.

"I am the type of person who sees both sides of the story, so perhaps that is why they have given me this name."

He added: "I just try to be the man - the man who other players can lean on. There is pressure but I like it.

"Maybe it is because of my character that they gave me these honours."