Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been selected as France captain by Laurent Blanc for this summer's Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine.
Lyon goalkeeper to lead his country for Euro 2012
Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been selected as France captain by Laurent Blanc for this summer's Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine.
Les Bleus coach Blanc confirmed the appointment on the eve of Wednesday's friendly against Germany, with Lloris getting the nod ahead of defenders Philippe Mexes and Eric Abidal.
Blanc took over the France reins from Raymond Domenech after their miserable 2010 World Cup campaign, with the camp torn apart by divisions between the players and management.
He has handed the armband to a number of players - including Lloris, Abidal, Mexes, Florent Malouda, Samir Nasri and Alou Diarra - in the intervening period as he sought a permanent successor to Patrice Evra.
Control
He has now settled on 25-year-old Lloris for the game in Bremen, and when asked at today's press conference whether that would remain the case for Euro 2012, he replied: "You can think that, yes."
Blanc continued: "I do not always give you an explanation, but I think Hugo is the one who assures me the most. He is someone who has the control and insight to do this role."
Lloris said: "It's a mark of confidence from the coach and a source of great pride for me.
"There are players who have more responsibilities than others. I am one, but I'm not going to change. I will continue to be myself, to get involved in the group while trying to remain effective."
