Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano “Emi” Martínez has officially taken over the club’s prestigious No. 1 shirt, prompting a special gesture for supporters who had already purchased jerseys bearing his previous squad number, No. 26.
The Argentine goalkeeper will now wear the iconic No. 1 jersey, a number traditionally associated with the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, following the recent change in his squad number.
However, Chelsea has announced that fans who purchased official “Martínez 26” shirts will not be left out.
In recognition of supporters affected by the change, Martínez has offered to personally sign the “Martínez 26” shirts purchased before his switch to the No. 1 jersey.
According to the arrangement, only supporters who obtained the shirts through the official Chelsea Club Megastore or the club’s official website will be eligible for the special signing.
Fans will also be required to present proof of purchase alongside their shirts at Stamford Bridge.
Supporters have been given until October 4 to bring their “Martínez 26” jerseys and the necessary proof of purchase as part of the club’s arrangement.
The move is expected to be warmly received by Chelsea fans who rushed to buy Martínez shirts before the goalkeeper’s decision or allocation to switch numbers.
For many supporters, the signed No. 26 shirt could now become a unique collector’s item, marking the brief period before Martínez officially adopted Chelsea’s famous No. 1 jersey.
Fans who bought ‘Martínez 26’ before the No. 1 switch can now get their shirts personally signed by the goalkeeper provided they meet the club’s requirements before the October 4 deadline.
