EMILIANO MARTINEZ has made the shock decision to ditch his squad number just days after joining Chelsea – but has vowed to sign any shirts already snapped up by fans.
The goalkeeper, 34, made his Blues debut in the thrilling 4-3 win over Brighton last weekend.
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And Martinez donned the iconic No26 after holding talks with legend John Terry.
But the Argentine has given up the kit number after just ONE GAME at Stamford Bridge.
Martinez has become Chelsea’s new No1 following Robert Sanchez’s loan move to Como.
In a sweet gesture, the shot-stopper has promised to sign any shirts purchased by supporters with his previous squad number.
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A club statement read: “Emiliano Martinez has switched to the No1 shirt for Chelsea.
“Our summer signing originally took the No26 shirt for the Blues and wore it in our 4-3 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge.
“However, due to Robert Sanchez’s loan move to Como, the No1 shirt has since become vacant and our Argentinian international has opted to take that number.
“In recognition of the change, and those impacted, Emi has kindly offered to sign all ‘Martinez 26′ shirts that had been obtained via the official club megastore or official club website.
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“In order to arrange this, supporters will be required to bring this shirt to Stamford Bridge along with proof of purchase by October 4.”
Martinez initially opted for the No26 when he sealed a £7.5million move from Aston Villa last month.
But the World Cup winner is set to sport his new kit number for the first time when Chelsea head to former club Arsenal on Sunday.
Chelsea chief Xabi Alonso raced to wrap up a deal for Martinez when Sanchez made glaring errors in the season-opening win over Fulham.
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Villa were prepared to do business at a cut-price fee after a move to Serie A giants Juventus fell through.
Martinez played a key role in Argentina reaching the World Cup final this summer.