It looks like Alvaro Morata will be staying put this summer.
Several clubs have reportedly been interested in signing Morata in the transfer window; with Real Madrid, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund all linked with a move for the Chelsea centre-forward.
But the fact that Morata has picked a new shirt number with the Blues ahead of the new season would lead you to believe that he will be going nowhere.
The Spanish striker requested to move from his No 9 to the No 29 ahead of his second campaign in the Premier League, citing the recent birth of his sons as the reason.
Morata’s wife Alice gave birth to twins Alessandro and Leonardo on Sunday, 29 July and to mark the birthday of his baby boys, Morata will sport a new shirt number next term.
Following the birth of his twins last week, @AlvaroMorata will wear the number 2️⃣9️⃣ shirt for the Blues this season!https://t.co/sXjFms1Cni
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 3, 2018
“It is a day I will never forget, to welcome my twin sons into the world,” Morata said. “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.”
Chelsea have promised supporters who have already bought a new Morata jersey with No 9 on the back a replacement if they return their purchase with a receipt to an official club store.
That would certainly lead you to believe that he’s going nowhere, wouldn’t it?
