For the die-hard lovers of football, jersey numbers are not just numbers- they are emotions which are held sacred. Supporters from across the globe want to see only the best athletes don some of the iconic jersey numbers. Thus, when Eden Hazard went to Real Madrid, his iconic number 10 jersey was left vacated and fans were waiting to see which fine athlete would be given the number 10 jersey.
However, fans were disappointed to find out that the club had decided to hand the revered number 10 jersey to Willian.
On 3 August, Chelsea eventually revealed which player is donning which jersey for the forthcoming season. And as it was expected, everyone wanted to find out who will don the number 10 jersey. A huge segment of Chelsea fans wanted it to be given to Christian Pulisic, others opined that Callum Hudson-Odoi should be given the number 10 jersey.
However, Chelsea’s decision to look at Willian’s experience over the years and then give the jersey to him was not well received by Chelsea fans. Fans took to social media to slam the club’s decision.
Here are some of the fans’ reactions:
Hazard Willian
10 10 pic.twitter.com/yMsn3AJr8q— ً (@R9shad) August 2, 2019
This club ALWAYS finds a way to stress me out man. Willian No.10? 🤢🤮. https://t.co/aCq5h57lnB
— 17 (@Johneh__) August 3, 2019
Willian 10? pic.twitter.com/npKEGQhA5J
— 🦁 (@thecelerytickle) August 3, 2019
We have no shame in giving Willian #10 pic.twitter.com/pzH7KrpKgc
— Depression SZN (@mohanraj_blue) August 3, 2019
Notably, Christan Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi who were in contention for the jersey were given number 22 and 20 respectively. Mason Mount was handed over 19 and Tammy Abraham had to settle for number 9.
Now the Brazilian football player Willian will have to have a similar impact for the club as the player who used to wear it before him- Eden Hazard. Willian will soon feature in Chelsea’s number 10 jersey with the Premier League set to begin from 10 August (IST).