Jakarta (ANTARA) – Bayern Munich winger Alphonso Davies, just 23 years old, has been selected as Canada’s captain ahead of the match against Argentina in the opening match of the 2024 Copa America in Atlanta, the United States, on Friday (21/6).

“It will be a big thing. To wear the captain’s bracelet for the first time in your career is something spectacular,” Davies said, as reported by AFP on Wednesday (19/6) local time.

Davies, born to Liberian parents in a refugee camp in Ghana during the civil war in 2000, came to Canada at age five. He then lived in the Edmonton neighbourhood and discovered his talent for football at age 14.

“Canada accepted me, they made me one of their citizens. I love this country. I thought before the game that, of course, the game would be emotional,” Davies said.

“It’s a great honor. I thank Jesse for trusting me and the people who trusted me to lead this team,” he said.

Canadian-American coach Jesse Marsch selected Davies as Reds captain because the former Vancouver Whitecaps player has a leadership spirit and has plenty of international experience with Bayern Munich.

“He can encourage the team to develop and improve. He’s one of the youngest players on the team but he’s a quality player to become one of the biggest leaders and most important players,” Jesse Marsch said.

Canada is in Group A of the Copa America with Argentina, Peru and Chile.

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