Bruno handed Dunk the armband just before the team set off for Saturday’s opening Premier League fixture against Watford, and the latter reflected on a proud day, paying tribute to the departing skipper.
He said, “It’s amazing and a great honour to be named the captain of my boyhood club in the Premier League.
“I never thought it would happen as a kid, but I’m living the dream now and I’m going to do everything I can to lead by example.
“It’s a nice show of faith in me by the new head coach, I was captain when Bruno wasn’t playing last year. For him to come in and still believe I can lead the team is great for me and I just want to repay his trust now.
“Bruno is obviously someone I’ve known for a long time and he will be a tough act to follow.
“I’ve taken a lot from him, he’s led by example both on and off the pitch every single day in everything he was involved in, now it’s my turn to carry that on.”
The feelings are mutual for Bruno, and the former defender believes Dunk is the ideal person to take over the reins for the season ahead.
“It’s about putting the team first — it’s nothing about you as a player, it’s about a role that you have to work on, and Dunky is the perfect person to do it.
“It’s not just about playing the games and wearing the armband, it’s about every single day, how you behave, how you train and how you help your team-mates.
“Being a captain is being a leader. You need to help other players improve — it’s a tough job but I know Dunky is the right man.
“As a player and a human being, he’s been growing up so fast. He’s been showing his character and desire, trying to help his team-mates, both on and off the pitch.
“He’s always been really competitive. He focuses on improving and learning all the time, and for me that’s the main thing. He’s ambitious — he doesn’t like to lose a single game, even in training.
“I’m really happy to see him take over and he deserves everything at this football club.”