Escude to lead Ajax

Julien Escude has been handed the captain's armband at Ajax next term.

Tomas Galasek was skipper last season, but he picked up an injury and this prompted Escude to take on the role.

Ajax chief Danny Blind was happy with how Escude took to the role and has confirmed him for next season.

"It's a conscious choice," Blind told the club's website. "When I came to the squad last season, Tomas Galasek was captain, but he got injured.

"Julien Escude has taken over the captain's armband and we have left it that way. Now he is the first captain and Galasek second.

"Both are fine lads with personality and stability.

"They can fulfil a guiding role on and off the pitch. And the language is no problem, because they both speak Dutch."