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Goalie Djordje Petrovic selects his new shirt number at Chelsea

By Isha Mohan

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 01: Djordje Petrović #99 of New England Revolution reacts during a MLS soccer match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on July 01, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 01: Djordje Petrović #99 of New England Revolution reacts during a MLS soccer match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on July 01, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images) /
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Petrovic
Goalie Djordje Petrovic hopes to make his debut with Chelsea this week. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /

New Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic to wear No. 28

After loaning Kepa Arrizabalaga to Real Madrid, sending Gabriel Slonina to KAS Eupen and selling Eduoard Mendy to Al Ahli, Chelsea was in the market for new goalkeepers.

The Blues first brought in Robert Sanchez from Brighton, and have now successfully acquired Djordje Petrovic from MLS team New England Revolution. The 23-year-old Petrovic will now compete with Sanchez for the top goalkeeper position.

After the departure of the above-mentioned netminders and the absence of Marcus Bettinelli due to injury, Chelsea was left with only one goalie – 20-year-old Lucas Bergstrom.

So this week, the Blues signed Petrovic on a seven-year deal to bolster their options. The transfer cost the club £12.5 million, with £1.5 million in add-ons, and with the possibility of extending for another year.

Petrovic boasts 43 appearances for New England, a team competing in the MLS, and has earned two caps representing Serbia.

Petrovic’s new number

The club recently revealed that the new goalkeeper will be wearing the No. 28 jersey, which was most recently worn by former captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

Azpilicueta completed his transfer to the Spanish side Atletico Madrid during this transfer window, marking the end of his nearly 10-year tenure at Chelsea. His dedicated service to the club has lent significant significance to the number.

Petrovic initially expressed interest in wearing the No. 99 on his shirt, a choice stemming from his MLS experience. However, he was informed that the number was deemed “too high for the Premier League,” prompting his decision to settle for the No. 28 shirt.

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Petrovic is also eager to be in contention for the upcoming Carabao Cup match against AFC Wimbledon this Wednesday. This opportunity would serve as preparation for his potential debut in the Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with both matches scheduled to be held at Stamford Bridge, the club’s home ground.

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