Bernhard Langer, 2004 European Ryder Cup captain, admitted he was torn between trying to play his way onto the team and applying for the role of the captain.
The German veteran had thrown his name in the hat along with Ian Woosnam and Sandy Lyle and got the vote after a playing record in the Ryder Cup dating back to 1981.
The 45-year-old played in his 10th Ryder Cup at the Belfry last year and when he teamed up with Colin Montgomerie for many of the fourball matches, they became a formidable pairing.
Since then Langer has struggled to find form playing in the United States and perhaps that was one of the reasons persuading him to apply for the captaincy role when the Europeans defend against the Americans at Oakland Hills, Michigan next year.
"Putting myself forward as captain was not an easy decision because somewhere deep down I might have the chance to make the team," said Langer. "We need the best 12 players and I feel I am still capable of being one of those.
"On the other hand I felt I realistically only had two chances to be captain, next year and then the matches in Ireland in 2006. Now I am captain I am thrilled and excited."