Chelsea new boy Djordje Petrovic denied dream shirt number due to Premier League rules

Chelsea’s new signing Djordje Petrovic has been denied his dream shirt number due to Premier League rules.

After losing Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga, Chelsea brought in Robert Sanchez from Brighton and Hove Albion.

In order to provide competition for Sanchez, the Blues decided to bring in Petrovic from MLS side New England Revolution for a reported fee of £14.5 million.

After joining the club, it was confirmed that the 23-year-old will wear the number 28 shirt, which was vacated by Chelsea legend Cesar Azpilicueta, who left the club at the end of the 22/23 season.

However, whilst speaking to the club’s official website, Petrovic revealed he was denied his preferred shirt number.

He said: “I'm very happy to wear number 28 and I know it means a lot at this club. I asked for number 99 originally [the number he wore in the MLS] but I was told it was too high for the Premier League.

“I saw what was available after that and I liked the look of the No.28 jersey.”

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On his feelings upon joining Chelsea, Petrovic said: “It's so nice here! Everything here is set up to win, to learn and to achieve great things at the very top level.

“I'm so happy to be at Chelsea and I'm really excited to get started at this club. It's a big step for me and it's always been a dream of mine to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the world and today I have achieved that goal. I'm so happy!”

He continued: “Playing in the Premier League is something I'm really looking forward to doing and I hope to learn many things here at Chelsea. I can't wait to meet everyone and play at Stamford Bridge.”

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Chelsea had an almighty scare against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday night but managed to come from 1-0 down to win 2-1.

In the third round, Chelsea will host Brighton at Stamford Bridge.