In light of the news that summer signing N’Golo Kante has been announced as Chelsea’s new number 7, Chelsea-News have decided to cast our minds back to the previous five owners of the jersey, which dates back to the 2000/01 season.
The West London side have never been well and truly blessed when it comes to a star putting his name in the books with a certain number, bar Frank Lampard’s #8 kit, and captain John Terry’s #26 strip that he has worn since his arrival into the first team at Stamford Bridge.
However, let’s look back at the previous 5 Chelsea stars who have selected to wear our #7 strip.
5: Ramires – 2010-15
When arrived at Stamford Bridge as a sort of unknown face, many Chelsea supporters didn’t really know to expect from Brazilian international Ramires, but we all saw how it panned out. The midfielder, who left West London to travel to China, wore the #7 shirt for five years before his departure last summer.
4: Andriy Shevchenko – 2006-08
When Shevchenko signed for the Blues with supporters not being able to wait to see him in action at Stamford Bridge, the Ukranian international was donned with the #7 strip, but never really managed to make it his own. Failing to have a real impact on life in West London, it was no wonder why the current Ukraine boss didn’t last long at the five-time Premier League champions.
3: Maniche – 2005/06
Maniche was another player who was brought into Stamford Bridge by Jose Mourinho, with many supporters setting the standards high for their new signing, but never getting what they bargained for. Only lasting a year in the Chelsea shirt, the fact that Maniche was given the #7 shirt is only a small memory, and not one that many people talk about to this day.
2: Adrian Mutu – 2003/04
Are we starting to see a little trend here? Not one star mentioned beforehand really set Stamford Bridge alight when it comes to talent, bar Ramires’ superb work rate and THAT goal against Barcelona at the Nou Camp in the Champions League semi-final second leg back in 2012. Like the rest, Adrian Mutu is a Chelsea #7 that never made an impact in West London, only lasting a year before failing to pass a drug test given to him by the club. Gone.
1: Winston Bogarde – 2000/03
To many ‘elder’ supporters, Winston Bogarde rocking out every Saturday with the #7 was a justifiable decision, and donned the shirt well during his many performances in the Chelsea shirt. Perhaps the only one out of the five to seriously play as if he was the Chelsea 7.
