Jump directly to the content

Carlton Palmer has queried the need for Kalidou Koulibaly to ask club legend John Terry for his Chelsea shirt number.

The Blues' new signing moved to Stamford Bridge earlier this summer in a £33million deal.

Koulibaly has been given the number 26 jersey ahead of the new season
4
Koulibaly has been given the number 26 jersey ahead of the new seasonCredit: Getty
Koulibaly shared a video of his conversation with Terry on Twitter
4
Koulibaly shared a video of his conversation with Terry on TwitterCredit: Twitter

The 31-year-old established himself as a top defender during his time at Napoli where he wore the number 26 jersey, a shirt that is famously linked to Terry.

No player has worn the shirt since Terry's exit in 2017, and after a nice gesture of ringing the former defender, Terry was more than happy to approve of Koulibaly taking the shirt.

In a clip shared by Koulibaly, Terry could be heard saying: “The 26 was very special to me, I really appreciate you calling.

“It’s no problem for me for you to take it, absolute pleasure.

“I wish you well because I know how important the number was for me and I’ve seen you wear 26 as well. My pleasure mate, I give you the 26.

“No pressure. You go and keeping winning trophies for us.”

Terry is a Chelsea legend who has thrown his backing behind Koulibaly
4
Terry is a Chelsea legend who has thrown his backing behind KoulibalyCredit: getty
Koulibaly will be dreaming of having a similar impact to Terry
4
Koulibaly will be dreaming of having a similar impact to TerryCredit: Getty

Despite Koulibaly's gesture of ringing the Chelsea legend, Carlton Palmer is of the belief that it was unnecessary.

Speaking to Kick Off on talkSPORT, Palmer said: “What’s he ringing up John Terry for?

“He’s a legend of the game and that’s a fact. John Terry is steeped in his history and always will be.

"He was an outstanding captain and a lot of other things, but I’ve never known a player ringing up an ex-player for his number. A number that hasn’t been retired.

“Some people might see it as a mark of respect, I don’t really see it, to be honest."

The Premier League is back and talkSPORT has it covered, with games on Friday, Saturday and Monday, beginning with Crystal Palace vs Arsenal on 5 August

Offers Of The Day

Sky Bet: 50/1 for a shot on target in Crystal Palace v Arsenal* -

Paddy Power: Bet £5 via the talkSPORT EDGE app with Paddy Power and get a £5 free bet - available to all customers* -

Sky Bet: NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. MIN/MAX STAKE £1. FREE BETS CREDITED ON TOP OF WINNINGS. FREE BETS CREDITED WITHIN 72 HOURS. 5 X £10 BET TOKEN. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS CANNOT BE USED ON VIRTUALS. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. NO FREE BET EXPIRY. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS AND FURTHER T&CS APPLY.

Paddy Power: Place a £5 Sportsbook Bet through the talkSPORT EDGE app between the 1st and 31st August. Get a £5 free bet on the next Monday after your qualifying bet. T&C's apply. 18+

SEE MORE FREE BET OFFERS HERE

Topics
cricket exchange