Luke Donald returns as Euro Ryder Cup captain for 2023

Donald has been reappointed for masterminding an impressive Italian job at the end of September and the start of October, after which Europe's players immediately urged him to break with recent tradition and remain in charge for a second consecutive contest.

The 45-year-old becomes Europe's first repeat captain since Bernard Gallacher performed the role in 1991, 1993 and 1995 and will bid to become only the second captain after Tony Jacklin in 1985 and 1987 to win home and away.

Donald says he's "humbled and gratified" to hear that the players wanted him to carry on.

"Certainly that was a big part of my decision to do that," he added.

"We created some special moments, some special memories that week and to have their backing meant the world to me.

"When I was lifting that trophy and hearing the support the guys had for me, even back then I thought I can't let the lads down and maybe I have to do this again," added Donald, who was initially appointed for the 2023 edition after Henrik Stenson was sacked for joining LIV Golf.

"Great opportunities don't come along very often in life and I'm a great believer that when they do, you need to grab them with both hands. This is one of these moments.

"I've been fortunate as a player to have had many amazing times in the Ryder Cup over the years and so to add being a winning captain to that, to form bonds with the 12 players like we did in Italy and to get the result we did, was very special indeed.

"The Ryder Cup means so much to me, so to be captain again and have the chance to create more history by becoming only the second European captain to win back-to-back is exciting.

"There is no question that being a captain away from home is a tough task. But I have never shied away from challenges throughout my career and it is precisely the kind of thing that motivates me.

"I can't wait to get another 12-strong team to Bethpage in 2025."

While Jacklin and Gallacher led the side on multiple occasions, it had been common practice since 1997 for the captain to only get one bite of the cherry, even if they spearheaded record victories.

But Donald's players made it clear they wanted the former world No.1 to break the mould as they chanted "Two more years" while he gave a television interview following the five-point victory in Rome.

Australian Associated Press