Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has revealed that he received the “blessing” of Blues legend Gianfranco Zola before choosing the club’s number 25 shirt.
Caicedo completed his British record £115m transfer from Brighton on Monday, with Chelsea waiting until Wednesday to confirm the shirt number he will be wearing.
The Ecuador international wore 25 for Brighton throughout his time on the south coast and the jersey happened to also be vacant at his new club.
Zola is the most famous former occupant of the shirt, wearing it with distinction for seven years from when he arrived at Stamford Bridge in 1996 to his departure in 2003.
“I am so proud to wear this number,” Caicedo told club media.
“I spoke with Gianfranco Zola and he gave me his blessing. I know how much this number means. I chose this number because it means a lot for me and my family.
“I want to create a lot of memories with this number on my back.”
Caicedo trained as a Chelsea player for the first time on Tuesday and could be in line to make his debut for the club when they make the trip across London to face West Ham on Sunday. He had been left out of Brighton’s game against Luton last weekend while his transfer was being finalised.
Chelsea are still to also add Romeo Lavia to their midfield. A deal worth a total of £58m, including add-ons, has been agreed with Southampton for the 19-year-old. A medical is taking place this week, with Lavia to then put pen to paper on a long-term contract.
