Chelsea fans were in for a surprise when the club announced on Saturday that there was a new No.29 in town, but before they could celebrate the transfer, it was revealed that the man donning the 29 jersey was none other than record signing Alvaro Morata.
The lanky Spaniard, who recently became a first-time father to twin boys, had signed for the Blues last year and immediately took the coveted No.9 jersey.
In hindsight, perhaps not the smartest move as the likes of Radamel Falcao and Fernando Torres have endured disastrous seasons wearing the iconic number, but Morata’s reason for the change ahead of the 2018/19 season goes way deeper than some curse.
Since his wife Alice Campello gave birth to their twin sons on July 29, the 25-year-old decided to commemorate the special day by taking up the No.29 jersey as long as he remains a Blues player.
Here’s his Instagram post:
A heartwarming reason indeed, but the Blues faithful are hoping that the £60 million man can go ahead and quell his doubters in second season.
After getting off to a blistering start last year, Morata’s form tailed off alarmingly and he even lost his place in the starting XI to January recruit Alvaro Morata.
DON’T MISS | Chelsea winger Pedro inks contract extension
And while new coach Maurizio Sarri has reportedly assured the Spaniard that he’s his first-choice striker, Gonzalo Higuain’s comments do not speak well for the Italian’s belief in the options at his disposal.
Higuain completed a switch from Juventus to AC Milan on Friday and the Argentine striker admitted that Sarri had attempted to get him to move, but the Rossoneri wanted him more, hence the move to the San Siro.
MUST READ | Bromance between Cesc Fabregas, Antonio Rudiger at Chelsea is real
After Morata’s weak display against Arsenal in midweek, you can’t blame Sarri but with the transfer window set to shut in less than a week, it’s best for the club that the two get accustomed to working together.
A Sunday evening date with Manchester City for the Community Shield looms large and it’s a chance for both the English giants to lay down a marker early in the season.