Kalidou Koulibaly is one of Chelsea’s most eye-catching signings this summer. The player from Napoli has caused great expectation at Stamford Bridge. Koulibaly is a Senegalese international who has been playing for Napoli since 2014. He is known for his strength, aerial ability, and passing range. Koulibaly is likely to become a key player for Chelsea in the coming seasons.

On his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Koulibaly contacted former Chelsea legend and defender John Terry to ask permission to wear his shirt number.

Gianfranco Zola gave Koulibaly Terry’s phone number. “He gave me the number directly, and I called him,” he said at a Chelsea press conference.

“In the beginning, he didn’t believe it was me. He thought it was a joke, so he put down the phone and called the team manager to ask if it was really me!

“After I asked him respectfully that I wanted to take his number – and I know it was for him a very important number – but it is an important number for me because I took it directly when I went to Napoli, and I wanted to keep it here at Chelsea. When he told me yes, I was really happy because I know what he did for the club, the supporters, and the city here.

“It was very important for me to ask him and he gave me his answer from him. I was happy, and I wanted to tell everybody that I asked him before because I don’t want to be disrespectful to a legend of the club.”

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, who played with Koulibaly at Napoli, addressed the matter by saying that over time Koulibaly will understand how significant this number is and what he represents for the club.

“I think Kalidou will realize the importance of the shirt number even more over time,” he said and added.

“Also that he will bring with him respect for that number, showing respect and worth.”