Video: Koulibaly on the phone asking Terry for his former jersey number. Listen to their conversation

Kalidou Koulibaly surprised John Terry with a phone call. He asked for permission to wear the number 26 jersey.

Senegalese central defender Kalidou Koulibaly has become a new signing for London Chelsea this transfer window. He joined the team from the English capital for £32 million from Italian side Napoli.

The Senegalese wore the number 26 jersey during his time in Naples and wanted to continue his tradition at Chelsea. However, that number was last worn by former long-time captain and now Blues legend John Terry. Since then, no Chelsea player has worn the number 26 on his back.

For Koulibaly, however, it is also special, so he called his special request directly to Terry. The former England national team captain has donned the number 26 throughout his nineteen-year career with Chelsea. In that time with the club he managed to win the Premier League five times, the FA Cup five times and the Champions League in 2012.

“The number 26 was actually very special for me. I’m really grateful to you for calling me and I have no problem with you taking it. I’m very happy for you and wish you good luck,” Terry replied to Koulibaly’s request.

Source: Chelsea FC, Twitter