Emi Martinez makes unique gesture to Chelsea fans after changing squad number

Emiliano Martinez has switched shirt numbers at Chelsea after the No 1 jersey became available following Robert Sanchez’s departure. The Argentine goalkeeper initially took on the No 26, following in the footsteps of Blues legend John Terry and the pair even exchanged a phone call and discussed the importance of the number. But after Sanchez left for Como, the No 1 shirt became vacant and Martinez has jumped at the chance to wear the more iconic number for goalkeepers, despite making his debut against Brighton in the No 26 shirt. Chelsea have confirmed the switch, with Martinez set to wear No 1 against his former club Arsenal on Sunday, but the club also acknowledged that some fans already purchased this season’s shirt with ‘Martinez’ and No 26. As a gesture of goodwill, Martinez has offered to compensate those fans by signing the shirt. A Chelsea statement read: “In recognition of the change, and those impacted, Emi has kindly offered to sign all “Martinez 26” shirts that had been obtained via the official Club Megastore or official Club website. “In order to arrange this, supporters will be required to bring this shirt to Stamford Bridge along with proof of purchase by October 4.” Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in action against Brighton (PA) Martinez had said he took pride in the lineage of the No 26 shirt at Stamford Bridge upon arriving from Aston Villa in a £7.5m deal. “I remember using the 26 on loan a few times with previous clubs, and of course I knew John Terry famously had the 26 here,” the 33-year-old said. “John was someone I spoke to before I joined, and he said he was over the moon to have me here. From our time together at Aston Villa, he knows how hard I work and what I can bring to Chelsea. JT really helped me with my decision. “The morning I signed, I texted him and said, ‘I'm wearing your shirt, and I'm going to do it with pride.’”