Tosin Adarabioyo inherit’s iconic Chelsea shirt number

By Ekemini Samuel

Posted on July 15, 2024

New Chelsea signing, Tosin Adarabioyo, has been handed the iconic number 4 shirt previously worn by former captains Ruud Gullit, Andy Townsend, Terry Venables, and Ron Harris. The Nigerian defender, who joined the Blues from Fulham, will wear the number 4 jersey for the upcoming season.

Adarabioyo has a history with the number 4 shirt, having worn it during his time at Manchester City’s U18, U19, and U21 sides. He also wore the number 4 shirt during his loan spells at West Brom and Blackburn Rovers. The number 24 shirt was his preferred choice at Fulham, but he has now opted for the iconic number 4 at Chelsea.

The number 4 shirt has a rich history at Chelsea, having been worn by several former captains and notable players such as Andreas Christensen, Cesc Fàbregas, David Luiz, Claude Makélélé, Juan Sebastián Verón, Jes Högh, Steve Clarke, Michael Duberry, and Craig Burley.

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Adarabioyo’s inheritance of the number 4 shirt is seen as a significant honor, given the legacy of the players who have worn it before him. The Nigerian defender will be hoping to make a similar impact at Chelsea, following in the footsteps of his predecessors.

Chelsea has announced that the full list of squad numbers will be finalized later in the summer, meaning Adarabioyo’s current shirt number is provisional. However, it is expected that he will retain the number 4 shirt for the upcoming season.

Adarabioyo’s signing is seen as a significant coup for Chelsea, who have been strengthening their defense ahead of the new season. The Nigerian defender brings a wealth of experience and talent to the team, and his inheritance of the iconic number 4 shirt is a testament to his potential impact at the club.

Chelsea recently released their updated squad numbers ahead of their pre-season tour of the United States. The Blues will be looking to build on their success last season, and Adarabioyo’s addition to the team is seen as a significant boost to their title chances.