Incoming Ghana forward Eddie Nketiah has revealed the reason behind his decision to change his jersey number at Arsenal after signing a new deal.
Nketiah signed a new long-term contract with the English Premier League side Arsenal in what is a massive boost for his career.
The 23-year-old, who was due to be out of contract at the end of the month, sealed the deal on Saturday with just about two weeks before his existing contract was scheduled to expire.
He penned a five-year deal, keeping him at the club until 2027.
After extending his deal, the English-born Ghanaian was offered with the iconic number 14 jersey wore by legendary Thierry Henry.
The number 14 shirt has been vacant since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's departure in January.
Nketiah, who wore number 30 jersey in the 2021/22 season is expected to wear the 14 shirt this time around.
Explaining why he accepted the number 14 shirt, he said, "When the opportunity came up to take it, it was hard to say no. I know what it means to the club and the fans. It’s a nice feeling, an iconic number.
"We know it is a special shirt and Thierry has made it cool to wear this shirt, just like he did with long socks and gloves. It is what we have grown up with. I am just trying to be the best version of myself. I’m focused on creating my own memories in that shirt, leaving my own stamp on it." He told the Telegraph newspaper.
Nketiah was in a blistering form towards the end of the 2021/22 season, starting Arsenal’s last eight league games and scoring five goals in the process.