Arsenal’s Zinchenko trades 35 for lucky charm number 17

Arsenal’s dynamic Ukrainian footballer, Oleksandr Zinchenko, has made a sentimental switch to a new squad number ahead of the upcoming season.

After the departure of Cedric Soares, who previously wore the number 17 shirt, Zinchenko seized the opportunity to claim a number that holds deep personal significance for him.

In a heartfelt statement, Zinchenko shared the importance of this change: “The number 17 is a very special number to me. It was the number I wore as a young player, and I’ve always requested to wear 17 when playing for my country.”

According Online reports that the 2024/24 English Premier League season begins August 17.

A Tuesday statement on the club’s website titled,” Oleksandr Zinchenko gets new squad number,” revealed this.

Oleksandr Zinchenko will wear the number 17 shirt from now on after switching ahead of the new season.

The Ukrainian skipper has taken the number that was previously worn by Cedric Soares but has been vacated since the Portuguese defender departed earlier in the summer, and he admits that the switch is a sentimental one for him.

Explaining the reason for his change, the utility defender said, “The number 17 is a very special number to me. It was the number I wore as a young player, and I’ve always requested to wear 17 when playing for my country.

“With 17 being free since Cedric left, I asked if I could change, and thanks to everyone at the club for supporting me.

“It’s also very important to say that if anyone has bought this season’s new shirt directly from the club with my name and 35 on it, they can get an exchange for my new number.”

Zinchenko joined Arsenal from Manchester City two seasons ago and has always had the jersey number 35, According Online reports.