Carlos Cuellar has revealed that he felt honoured to wear the captain's armband during Sunderland's 1-0 win over Manchester City on Boxing Day.
The Spanish defender, who joined the Black Cats on a free transfer from Aston Villa in July, skippered the side in the absence of John O'Shea.
"For me it is an honour to captain this football club for the first time and to achieve three points," Cuellar told the club's official website.
"It's a special day and the feeling is unbelievable."
Cuellar has made 18 first-team appearances this season, scoring one goal.
