Radamel Falcao follows in the footsteps of Fernando Torres as Chelsea No 9... while Asmir Begovic takes Petr Cech's No 1 jersey

  • Chelsea confirm Radamel Falcao as their new No 9 for 2015-16 season
  • Falcao follows Fernando Torres and Franco Di Santo in wearing shirt
  • Steve Sidwell and Khalid Boulahrouz have also worn Chelsea's No 9 
  • Blues also hand new goalkeeper Asmir Begovic No 1 jersey 

Chelsea's new striker Radamel Falcao has officially been confirmed as their new No 9 ahead of the 2015-16 season, following Fernando Torres in wearing the traditional striker's shirt.

The number belonged to Torres since his £50million arrival at Stamford Bridge in 2011, before vacating it at the start of last season following his switch away from the club.

In truth, it didn't bring Torres much luck at Stamford Bridge, as he largely struggled for confidence, form and goals during his three-and-a-half seasons there - managing just 45 goals in 172 games in all competitions. 

Chelsea's new striker Radamel Falcao has been confirmed as their new No 9 ahead of 2015-16 season

Chelsea's new striker Radamel Falcao has been confirmed as their new No 9 ahead of 2015-16 season

Falcao wore the No 9 jersey during his time at Manchester United last season

Falcao wore the No 9 jersey during his time at Manchester United last season

Fernando Torres was the last man to wear the No 9 shirt at Stamford Bridge before his departure

Fernando Torres was the last man to wear the No 9 shirt at Stamford Bridge before his departure

But the shirt did not bring him much luck as he struggled for form and goals during his time at Chelsea

But the shirt did not bring him much luck as he struggled for form and goals during his time at Chelsea

Chelsea's new goalkeeper Asmir Begovic will take the No 1 shirt following Petr Cech's departure

Chelsea's new goalkeeper Asmir Begovic will take the No 1 shirt following Petr Cech's departure

The club announced on their website on Monday: 'Radamel Falcao will wear the No 9 shirt during the 2015-16 campaign.

'The Colombian striker, who recently moved to Stamford Bridge on a season-long loan from Monaco, will take the shirt which was last worn by Fernando Torres prior to his departure.

CHELSEA NO 9s IN PL ERA

Tony Cascarino 1992-94

Mark Stein 1994-96

Gianluca Vialli 1996-99

Chris Sutton 1999-00

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink 2000-04

Mateja Kezman 2004-05

Hernan Crespo 2005-06

Khalid Boulahrouz 2006-07

Steve Sidwell 2007-08

Franco Di Santo 2008-10

Fernando Torres 2011-2015

Radamel Falcao 2015-present 

'Our most recent arrival, Asmir Begovic, will take the vacant No.1 shirt, with Thibaut Courtois remaining No 13.'

In taking Cech's No 1 shirt, Begovic has an incredibly tough act to follow, as the Czech Republic international became a club legend during his 11 years at the club.

He told Chelsea's website upon signing: 'I am very happy to be joining Chelsea.

'After speaking at length to the manager, I feel like I can develop here and be an important part of this team. 

'I am looking forward to meeting up with the team on Wednesday for the pre-season tour.' 

For Falcao, however, that particular pressure is less of an issue, with Franco Di Santo and Steve Sidwell some of the less than auspicious names to have worn Chelsea's No 9 shirt in recent times. 

Franco Di Santo (right) is one of the players to have worn Chelsea's No 9 shirt in more recent times

Franco Di Santo (right) is one of the players to have worn Chelsea's No 9 shirt in more recent times

Midfielder Steve Sidwell wore the No 9 shirt for Chelsea in the 2007-08 season

Midfielder Steve Sidwell wore the No 9 shirt for Chelsea in the 2007-08 season

While defender Khalid Boulahrouz, posing with Jose Mourinho, also held the number for a season

While defender Khalid Boulahrouz, posing with Jose Mourinho, also held the number for a season

Hernan Crespo, with Damien Duff (left) and Frank Lampard wore the shirt for the 2005-06 season

Hernan Crespo, with Damien Duff (left) and Frank Lampard wore the shirt for the 2005-06 season

Mateja Kezman had the No 9 on his back during his sole season at Stamford Bridge in 2004-05

Mateja Kezman had the No 9 on his back during his sole season at Stamford Bridge in 2004-05

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink banged in 88 goals in 177 with the No 9 on his back at Chelsea between 2000-04

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink banged in 88 goals in 177 with the No 9 on his back at Chelsea between 2000-04

Hernan Crespo has also had the number, but he was sandwiched between Mateja Kezman and Khalid Boulahrouz on this particular roll call.

And the virtues of Crespo aside, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was the last player to genuinely perform for Chelsea while wearing their No 9 jersey, banging in 88 goals in 177 matches for the club between 2000-04. 

While Chris Sutton, Gianluca Vialli, Mark Stein and Tony Cascarino have also worn the shirt for the Blues in the Premier League era.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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