Moises Caicedo shirt number confirmed as Chelsea legend sends classy message

It has been confirmed that Moises Caicedo will don the number 25 for Chelsea following his £115million move from Brighton. The Ecuador international will be the first to do so since Gianfranco Zola departed the club two decades ago.

The shirt has enjoyed an unofficial retirement since then, but the Italian maestro has provided Caicedo with his blessing after completing his record transfer to Stamford Bridge. Zola wore the number between 1996 and 2003 as he became a legend in the era that ultimately led to Roman Abramovich investing in the club.

Caicedo wore the number 25 in his time at Brighton too, with it holding personal significiance for him. Nevertheless, he engaged in conversation with former Chelsea forward Zola, and received his blessing.

Caicedo said: «I'm so proud to wear this number. I spoke with Gianfranco Zola and he gave me his blessing. I know how much this number means. I chose it because it is a very special number to me and my family.

»I want to create a lot of memories for Chelsea with this number on my back!"

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Zola, who was last part of Chelsea's staff during Maurizio Sarri's reign at the club in 2018/19, is next set to feature for the Blues in their legends match against Bayern Munich in September. The diminutive magician had some kind words for Chelsea's latest signing however

«Hi Moises! Thank you for the message. I hope it will bring to you as many pleasures as it brought to me. »Good luck, Gianfranco."