Chelsea fans have been reacting in their droves to the news that Willian will be handed the number 10 shirt ahead of the upcoming campaign.
https://twitter.com/GabrieIFoligno/status/1153117048584769543
In an interview with Brazilian TV show Desimpedidos, he is quoted as saying “Now “she” is mine (the number 10)! The club told me it is mine,” according to Twitter user @GabrieIFoligno.
Willian, who wore the number for Brazil whilst on international duty in the Copa America, will take over the number from the recently departed Eden Hazard, as he completed a move to Real Madrid earlier this summer.
Christian Pulisic could have been a candidate for the vacant number following his own arrival from Borussia Dortmund this summer. However, he is used to wearing the number 22 shirt which Willian will now leave available.
Indeed, it seems that Chelsea’s 30-year-old South American winger is the man to be handed the opportunity to grace the number that has been worn by the likes of Joe Cole and Juan Mata in years gone by (Transfermarkt).
And, going by some of the reactions on Twitter, it would appear many of the Blues’ faithful are in full support of Willian being handed the shirt.
Some believed it was fully deserved, whilst others felt it could be something that will help the Brazilian have a defining season.
Here are just some of the reactions:
Willian has helped us to 2 titles and a Europa league, been loyal for 6 years and dismissed the prospect of joining some of Europe’s top clubs claiming Chelsea was his future, was one of the only players not to down tools in 2015/16. Full deserves the no. 10 shirt.
— O’supo (@daniel_olasupo) July 22, 2019
He deserved it so much. Besides he was eden hazard best friend for a long time.
— mimi (@hamimihemdan) July 22, 2019
Willian 2019/2020 masterclass incoming
— Uncle Deji (@Blackshadie) July 22, 2019
He deserves more then @cpulisic_10 & @Calteck10 for sure @willianborges88 as always proven to be an amazing player and he is a veteran in @ChelseaFC .
— ILOVEGUSTAVO (@suneyd_jerry) July 22, 2019
I’m not mad at this… I think this could be Willian’s defining season at Chelsea. I’m expecting big things.
— Kevin? (@KevinKeKeFuego) July 22, 2019
William deserves it. He is close to Hazard and he has learnt a lot under him.
— Pastor Evans Ehimati (@sehimatie) July 22, 2019
Willian deserves the number 10 . He’s been loyal and he’s one of our best players now . A veteran
— Zadd (@Curtiz__) July 22, 2019
