The number seven shirt has been worn by some of the world's best ever footballers. So, when Chelsea completed the signing of the free-scoring Andriy Shevchenko from AC Milan in 2006, it seemed logical to hand the Ukrainian that number.
He made Fernando Torres look prolific though and so just two years later, he was loaned back to Milan before returning to his first club Dynamo Kiev on a permanent basis in 2009.
It meant that for 12 months the number seven shirt at Stamford Bridge was vacant - until this very day three years ago when Carlo Ancelotti captured the services of Brazilian international Ramires from Benfica for a reported £20m.
Upon signing the then 23-year-old, his new boss Ancelotti said: "He is a fantastic player. He will be the future of the Brazil national team and I hope the future of Chelsea."
© PA Photos
The player himself added: "Every player in the world would love to play for Chelsea and it's a great opportunity that was given to me, I will give my best to repay this chance, and I am very happy.
"Just to think that I will wear Chelsea's shirt is a dream come true for any player. I know it is a very strong, competitive league but I just hope that I can adapt as fast and as well as I can to give my best, and I am sure everything is going to be fine."
After making his debut in late August against Stoke City, Ramires went on to appear 41 times all competitions that season.
© PA Photos
The following campaign saw Ramires contribute two vital goals - one during the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona in the Camp Nou, where he produced one of his best performances for the Blues, and the other in the FA Cup final against Liverpool to help seal a 2-1 win.
He was unable to play in the Champions League final in 2012 because of suspension and such had been his impact during the proceedings months, his absence was viewed by many to be a big loss for Chelsea, despite their victory on penalties.
Last term he was an influential member of the Chelsea starting lineup, featuring on 62 occasions in total and scoring nine goals.
