Kurt Zouma made West Ham captain 19 months after he was filmed kicking and slapping pet cat

KURT ZOUMA has been appointed as West Ham’s new captain – 19 months after horrifically kicking his cat.

The France international was given the armband following Declan Rice‘s £105million move to Arsenal in the summer.

Zouma has impressed so far this season, so much so that Hammers boss David Moyes has opted to give him the armband on a permanent basis.

The Scot revealed on Friday: “Kurt will continue as captain. He’s done a good job.

“We’ve won three and drawn one of the opening four games, so he will continue in the role.”

Zouma’s future at the London Stadium was up in the air last February after SunSport exclusively revealed he’d kicked his cat in a sickening video.

The centre-back, who has made 68 appearances for the Hammers since joining from Chelsea for £32m in 2021, was filmed booting and slapping the feline by his brother and had his cats taken away from him.

Zouma, 28, was slapped with 180 hours of community service and banned from owning cats after the disgusting incident.

He was also fined £250,000 by West Ham – the fee donated to animal welfare charities.

The former Blues defender issued a grovelling apology for his actions, saying: “It’s been a difficult spell for me and my family.

“I have done something very bad and I apologise again for what I’ve done.

FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS

“I know it was very tough for people to watch and to see that and, obviously, I feel very, very sorry.

“I have great remorse about it and now I’m trying to move on with my family and looking ahead. I learned from it.

“I had support from many, many people around me who helped me stay focused on football and I try to stay happy.’

“The support that I received from my team-mates, from the staff, and everyone at the club, and even from the fans, has been unreal.

“I can’t thank them enough. This club is like my family.”

West Ham will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, welcoming defending champions Manchester City to the London Stadium.