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.
Daniel Lewis
