Francesco Guidolin: 'I respect Ashley Williams decision'

Swansea City manager Francesco Guidolin has paid tribute to Ashley Williams following his £12m move to Everton.

Williams ended his eight-year spell at the Liberty Stadium earlier this week having made more than 350 appearances for the club since joining for £400,000 from Stockport County.

Guidolin talked up the Wales international's role in the history of the club having helped them from League One all the way to the Premier League, although the Italian has not yet decided who will replace the 31-year-old as captain.

"He was very important for me in the beginning of my first experience here, and I would like to thank him for the help. He was a real captain and I respect his decision to accept a new challenge. I wish him all the best. I spoke often with Alan [Curtis, club coach] about the fantastic Swansea history," he told reporters.

"I've spoken about the club's past, the Vetch, this fantastic adventure, and Ashley is a very important part of this history. I am sure fans will not forget him for the time he had here. If Leon [Britton] plays he is [usually] the captain. After that, I don't know, we will decide this.

"The captain is important for me, it was important for me last season with Ash. I will remember that, and so I believe it's important to have a [good] captain. But it is more important to have a good relationship with all players. The armband is not important, the relationships are."

Swansea will travel to newly-promoted Burnley for their opening match of the new Premier League season.