Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata ditches number nine shirt ahead of new season

Chelsea have been left without a number nine heading into the new season as striker Alvaro Morata has ditched the shirt to move down the squad list.

The Spain international, given the jersey upon his £60m arrival from Real Madrid last summer, revealed on Friday that he has switched to number 29 for the 2018-19 campaign.

Morata's decision is based on his wife Alicia giving birth to twins on July 29, and he hopes that the change of number can bring a change of fortunes following a difficult second half to his maiden campaign in West London.

"It is a day I will never forget, to welcome my twin sons into the world," he told the club's official website. "My family is so important to me and I want to honour them and my wife, Alice, when I am on the pitch which is why I have decided to take a different number for the new season and remember this special day by adding the number 2 to my shirt.

"I am sorry to the fans who may have bought a number 9 with my name already, but I hope you understand my tribute and that it will not be a problem and we can make you a new one with the 29. Thank you for your support and I hope this year there will be lots more to celebrate."

Morata scored 16 goals in 49 outings for Chelsea last season, 13 of which came in his first 26 matches.