Ollie Canning was "honoured" to be named Galway captain ahead of this year's hurling championship.
Team manager Ger Loughnane offered Canning the captain's armband after a 20-month absence at inter-county level. Loughnane also recalled experienced attacker Eugene Cloonan to his squad.
Canning takes over from David Collins, who will miss the championship with an ankle injury.
"It is a great honour and I am delighted to accept it," said Canning, the three-time All-Star who last played for Galway in their 2006 All-Ireland quarter-final loss to Kilkenny.
"The management team approached me at training during the week and asked if I would be prepared to lead the team this year and I didn't have to consider the matter long before accepting."
In 2006 the 30-year-old withdrew his services in protest at the treatment of Portumna during and after their controversial county final defeat to Loughrea.
However, he recently accepted an invitation from Loughnane to return after playing a starring role in Portumna's All-Ireland club success on St. Patrick's Day. He has also been joined in the senior squad for the first time by his younger brother Joe.