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.
Morata will wear #29 next year, freeing up the #9 shirt for Martial. [via https://t.co/MaMWzxTzKk] pic.twitter.com/RY0LbiFYS8
- CarefreeDaily. :smoking: (@CarefreeDailyFC) August 3, 2018
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.
Following the birth of his twins last week, @AlvaroMorata will wear the number :two::nine: shirt for the Blues this season!https://t.co/sXjFms1Cni
- Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 3, 2018
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.'
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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.
Featured Image Credit: Image: Chelsea FC
Topics: Football News, Number, Chelsea, Football, Alvaro Morata, Premier League