Chelsea star Kai Havertz has explained why he chose to wear the number 29 shirt for the Blues, and it’s because of the popular video game, Fifa.
When Havertz was playing for Bayer Leverkusen, he had the number 29 on his back, and after making a huge move to Chelsea in a deal worth £72 million, many thought he will opt for a more prominent number. Attacking players are often associated with the numbers 7, 9, 10 or 11 as they are deemed as the more iconic numbers. Cristiano Ronaldo has used his number to make a brand for himself in the shape of CR7. Ronaldo Nazario made the number 9 shirt his own.
But Havertz chose the number 29 as it holds special memories for him and his brother. In a recent Q&A on his official Instagram account, Havertz was asked why he chose that number.
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He said: “Me and brother used to use 29 when we created ourself on FIFA 05.”
The German also revealed this in 2021, during an interview with The Athletic.
He said: “When I was young I always used to play FIFA or Pro Evolution Soccer with my brother. We always made ourselves in the game. My brother always put No 29 on his shirt.”
Havertz added: “When I came to the professional game and Leverkusen asked me what number I wanted to have, I asked them which numbers were free. When they said 29, I said I’d take it because of my brother.”
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“Sometimes it’s lucky for me, sometimes not, but I like the number and now I think everybody knows me for it.”
Since his move from Leverkusen to Chelsea, Havertz has established himself as one of the most important players at the club.
He famously scored the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City, he took a beautiful through ball from Mason Mount into his stride and went round City keeper Ederson before calmly sliding the ball into the net. That goal was enough to secure a 1-0 victory and the club’s second European crown.
To date, Havertz has made a total of 92 appearances for the Stamford Bridge club, scoring 23 times.
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In the upcoming season, Havertz will likely start as the focal point of Chelsea’s attack after the departure of Romelu Lukaku, the German will be looking to help his side challenge on all fronts again after last season’s disappointments in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup final.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Football, Chelsea, Kai Havertz, Bayer Leverkusen
