Oleksandr Zinchenko explains decision to change Arsenal number after star player leaves Emirates
Oleksandr Zinchenko has abandoned his No. 35 shirt at Arsenal and opted to wear the 'very special' No. 17 shirt instead.
The Ukrainian star has won the number 35 shirt since joining the Gunners two years ago in a £32m deal. Manchester City.
But looking ahead to the 2024/25 season, the 27 years Has made a change.
The player has revealed that he requested to change to number 17 after the defeat of Cedric Soares. Emirates departure, with the right-back released earlier this summer.
Speaking to Arsenal Official WebsiteZinchenko said: “Number 17 is a very special number for me.
“It was the number I wore when I was young and I always asked to wear 17 when I played for my country.
“With 17 free since Cedric left, I asked if I could change and thanks to everyone at the club for supporting me.
“It is also very important to say that if anyone has bought this season's new shirt directly from the club with my name and number 35, they can exchange it for my new number.”
His number change also appears to have put to rest rumours he could leave north London after being linked with a move away.
Since moving to north London, Zinchenko has made 68 appearances for Arsenal, scoring two goals.
Zinchenko started his Arsenal career in fine fashion, where he quickly established himself as the club's first-choice left-back.
His performances led to Kieran Tierney being loaned to Real Sociedad last season, but he faces a battle to get started this campaign.
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He fell out of favour under Mikel Arteta at the end of last term, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jaku Kiwior being preferred in his place.
And now he has to battle against Jurrien Timber, who is back to full fitness after missing almost all of last season with a knee injury.
Meanwhile, summer signing Riccardo Calafiori, who arrived from Bologna in A deal worth up to £42mis also a strong candidate to start with.
Following his outstanding performances for Italy at Euro 2024, he is expected to start the season on the left side of defence.
For ArtetaHe hopes that increased competition for places can help his team beat Manchester City and clinch the Premier League title, an achievement that has narrowly eluded them in the past two years.
Arsenal begin the new season with a home clash against Wolves on Saturday 17 August.
