Alvaro Morata Requests The Number 29 Shirt For A Very Special Reason

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has decided to change his squad number to celebrate the birth of his twins. Alessandro and Leonardo.

The Spaniard wore the number 9 shirt last season but to the disappointment of fans who actually bought a Chelsea shirt with his name and number on the back, Morata will now wear the number 29 after wife Alice gave birth on July 29th.

For those who did get Morata's number on the back of their 2018/19 shirt, the football club will offer anybody who has proof of purchase from an official club store a free exchange, subject to availability, from 03/08/18 inclusive

In fact, all returned shirts will be donated to the Chelsea Foundation. A great gesture from the Blues.

Morata apologised to fans in a statement on Chelsea's official website, while describing the importance of family ahead of the new campaign:

'It is a day I will never forget, to welcome my twin sons into the world. My family is so important to me and I want to honour them and my wife, Alice, when I am on the pitch which is why I have decided to take a different number for the new season and remember this special day by adding the number 2 to my shirt.

'I am sorry to the fans who may have bought a number 9 with my name already, but I hope you understand my tribute and that it will not be a problem and we can make you a new one with the 29. Thank you for your support and I hope this year there will be lots more to celebrate.'

The number 9 shirt is now vacated. Does that mean Chelsea will bring in a new striker before the transfer window shuts?

We will have to wait and see.