Chelsea FC's new goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has changed his squad number after a single appearance. The Argentine international, who joined from Aston Villa for £7.5 million, will now wear the number 1 shirt instead of the number 26 he debuted in against Brighton.
Why did Martinez change his Chelsea number?
According to a club statement reported by Daily Mail Sport, the switch became possible after Robert Sanchez's loan move to Como left the number 1 shirt vacant. Martinez had initially taken the number 26 and wore it during Chelsea's 4-3 victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge. The club confirmed the change this week, stating Martinez "has opted to take that number."
In recognition of supporters who purchased his original shirt, Martinez has offered to sign all 'Martinez 26' shirts bought through official channels. Fans have until October 4 to bring their shirt and proof of purchase to Stamford Bridge for signing. This gesture addresses the immediate impact of the mid-season number change.
What was John Terry's role in the number choice?
Martinez's initial decision to wear 26 came with the blessing of Chelsea legend John Terry, who made the number iconic during his captaincy. The Daily Mail Sport report details that Martinez texted Terry on the morning he signed, saying he would wear the shirt "with pride." Terry, who worked with Martinez at Aston Villa, had publicly praised the signing last week.
Martinez explained his thought process, recalling he used 26 on loan earlier in his career and knew its significance at Chelsea. "John was someone I spoke to before I joined, and he said he was over the moon to have me here," Martinez said. The goalkeeper's subsequent switch to number 1 does not diminish the initial consultation with the club's former captain.
How did Chelsea perform in Martinez's debut game?
The New York Times provided a match report from the game where Martinez first appeared. Chelsea beat Brighton & Hove Albion 4-3 in a chaotic encounter at Stamford Bridge, giving new manager Xabi Alonso a victory in his first official home match. The Blues raced to a 3-0 lead before halftime through goals from Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto, and Joao Pedro.
Brighton fought back with a goal from Malick Yalcouye and an own goal, but Cole Palmer sealed the win with a smart finish before Pascal Gross scored a late consolation. The result means Chelsea have started the Premier League season with two wins from two games under Alonso. You can see the team's current position in the standings, where they sit fourth with six points.
What other transfer business affected Chelsea recently?
BBC Sport Football's gossip column reported that Chelsea were offered former Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma. The 30-year-old Mali international was presented as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who joined Manchester City for £125 million. This information came from The Sun.
The same roundup noted that Manchester City and Chelsea were among clubs who showed interest in Crystal Palace's England midfielder Adam Wharton before the deadline. The Guardian reported that Palace rejected all bids for the 22-year-old. These reports highlight the ongoing search for midfield reinforcements following significant departures.
What is Chelsea's current form and next challenge?
Chelsea's strong start has them fourth in the Premier League with six points from two wins. They have scored seven goals and conceded five, giving them a +2 goal difference. Their next fixture is a major test away against Arsenal, who are second in the table, on September 6.
This match will be a significant early indicator of Chelsea's progress under Alonso. The team's attacking output has been promising, but defensive solidity remains a work in progress. Fans can check the full fixtures list for the rest of the September schedule. The clash at the Emirates Stadium concludes a busy first week of the month for the Blues.
