Frank Lampard has confirmed Jorginho as Chelsea's new vice-captain.
With Cesar Azpilicueta taking over as captain following Gary Cahill's release in the summer, the vice-captain role has been vacant since the beginning of July.
Pedro captained the side in the absence of his compatriot in the 7-1 thumping of Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, but Lampard had yet to confirm Azpilicueta's understudy.
Until now as speaking in his pre-Southampton press conference on Friday afternoon, Lampard revealed that Jorginho is the new Chelsea vice-captain.
"Yes, Jorginho is vice-captain as it stands," Lampard confirmed. "Azpi is the captain and that was clear at the start of the season and I think his professionalism and career here speaks for itself.
"Jorginho, I keep talking about him, is a character and a driver. It is very evident to see on the pitch.
"That's the situation as it stands."
Despite not being fluent in English, Lampard sees no issue with Jorginho's new position within the squad.
"It is obviously important [learning English], we always try here to push that along as soon as players come in because communication is key on and off the pitch," Lampard added.
"In the dressing room. He crosses the borders as it is easy when you come in sometimes to stay within groups of nationalities. Jorginho doesn’t.
"He is a driver on and off the pitch."
Lampard's decision to promote Jorginho into this role should come as no surprise given he praised the midfielder's leadership qualities last week.
"He is, he's a leader in his personality and whatever happened last year - I wasn't here and for whatever reason people made judgements. All I can judge is what I see in front of me," Lampard said after the Brighton win.
"From pre-season he's been one of the leaders in the dressing room and on the pitch.
"He wants to win, I know that should be the basics for everyone but to show it in everything you do is important and I think he does that.
"So I'm pleased with Jorgi and again the young players need to look up to that kind of attitude that he has daily.
Furthermore, it's a decision that some Chelsea supporters will love as many called for Jorginho to replace Azpilicueta as captain last month.
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