Kalidou Koulibaly has shared the conversation he had with John Terry when asking him for permission to wear the no.26 shirt at Chelsea.
The 31-year-old joined last month from Napoli for £34 million and his shirt number was to be decided on after he wore the no.26 at Napoli.
Since Terry left Chelsea in 2017, nobody has taken the iconic shirt number, a sign of how big the shirt number is and what the former England and Chelsea captain achieved.
Advert
Koulibaly wore the no.26 in pre-season but it was stated by the club that the Senegal international’s number was not confirmed for the 2022/23 pre-season.
But now Koulibaly has confirmed he will wear the no.26 for the upcoming season following a chat with Terry over the phone.
Advert
He asked the former Blues skipper for his blessing to take the number, and Terry quickly said yes to the request.
Here is the transcript, in full, of the conversation between the two defenders.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Advert
"Sorry for my English, it's not so good, but I will try to do my best.
"John, I wanted to ask you something because, like you know, I played with the 26 in Napoli, and since you left the club, nobody take the 26.
“I did not know if you retired it or if nobody wanted to take it, so I wanted to ask you if it is possible for me to take it?"
John Terry
Advert
"The 26 is very special to me. I really appreciate you calling, and it's not a problem for me for you to take it.
“It's an absolute pleasure and I wish you well because I know how important the number was for me and seeing your 26 as well, so it's my pleasure mate. I give you the 26."
Kalidou Koulibaly
"Thank you, thank you very much. It's a pleasure. It's a heavy shirt but I will try to do my best!"
Advert
John Terry
"No pressure mate, you've got to keep winning trophies."
Kalidou Koulibaly
"Of course!"
Topics: John Terry, Kalidou Koulibaly, Chelsea, Football
Matthew Debono