Why Chelsea’s new midfielder contacted Zola

Chelsea’s new midfielder Moises Caicedo has opened up on why he contacted the club’s legend Zola Gianfranco after he moved to Stamford Bridge.

Caicedo revealed he contacted Zola to get his permission to adorn his shirt number 25 at the club

Recall that the Ecuador star joined Chelsea from Brighton this week after the West London club paid a British record sum of £115m.

The midfielder penned an eight-year deal to remain at Stamford Bridge until 2031 with an option to extend it by a further year until 2032.

Caicedo, who was also linked to Liverpool, opted to join the Blues and is keen on keeping hold of the No.25 shirt he wore at Brighton.

However, at Chelsea, the number has a special value as no one has worn it since Zola.

Zola was at Chelsea between 1996 and 2003, scoring 80 goals across 312 appearances and winning various trophies – including two FA Cup triumphs.

Caicedo contacted the former star to get his blessing to wear the No.25 shirt for Chelsea.

“Thank you for the message, Moises,” Zola said. “I hope it will bring to you as many pleasures as it brought to me. Good luck.”