Sam Allardyce has explained why he chose to name new signing Geremi as Newcastle United captain for the new season.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "He has had a long and illustrious career, and is a fantastic signing for us.

"He leads by example on and off the field, and is a fantastic communicator as he speaks English, Spanish and French.

"It's easy for him to get his message across, and I couldn't be more happy with him.

"He has won League titles in England with Chelsea and in Spain with Real Madrid and, as far as I am aware, he has an Olympic gold medal with Cameroon."