Garcia described wearing the Glory armband as a “badge of honour”.
“It’s a humbling moment for me and my family. This club was formed when I made my move to England as a teenager and to lead the team into the next Hyundai A-League season is a wonderful honour” he said.
“I’m confident this team has the goods to be competitive and make its mark and I don’t think the critics should write us off” he added.
Perth coach Kenny Lowe said Garcia’s experience in the English Premier League, coupled with his service for the Socceroos in the 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa, were strong factors in appointing the Perth born winger to lead the team.
"Richie is a top lad. He’s the consummate professional on and off the park. He always leads by example and whatever job he’s given he gets it done. The players look up to him and he has the respect of the whole club”.
Garcia began his career at the prestigious West Ham United academy, where he won the FA Youth Cup and Premier League double in 1998-99.
He also appeared in the English Premier League for West Ham United and Hull City Tigers, while also having stints at Leyton Orient, Colchester United, the then-Melbourne Heart, Sydney FC and Minnesota United, before returning to Perth.
Meanwhile, Matilda Samantha Kerr will lead Glory's W-League team, under new coach Bobby Despotovski.
