Oleksandr Zinchenko has stated that he will wear the number 17 shirt for the 2024-2025 season, replacing the number 35.
The 27-year-old has taken the number previously worn by Cedric Soares, who left Arsenal at the end of last season after four years there.
In a recent interview, Zinchenko discussed how the number 17 held sentimental meaning before explaining how the club backed his decision to change clothes.
The Ukrainian defender made it clear that fans who had already purchased the 2024-2025 uniform with his old number could exchange their shirt for a new one.
Zinchenko, who changed his shirt number for the upcoming season, stated on the club’s website that the number 17 holds a special meaning for him.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (above) has disclosed he will wear the number 17 shirt for the 2024-2025 season, having switched from the number 35.
‘It was the number I wore as a young player, and I’ve always preferred to wear 17 when representing my country. With 17 available following Cedric’s departure, I requested if I could change, and thanked everyone at the club for their support.
‘It’s also crucial to note that if somebody purchased this season’s new shirt straight from the club with my name and 35 on it, they can swap it for my new number.
Zinchenko believes Arsenal has the potential to beat Manchester City, but emphasizes that they do not need to emulate the Premier League champions.
The 27-year-old defender played five seasons with Manchester City, winning four Premier League titles in that time.
He understands what it takes to win major championships and believes Arsenal are on the right track after pushing the title battle to the final day.
‘I don’t believe we need to emulate someone like City,’ he stated. Of course, right now, they are undoubtedly the best team in the world. The statistics and titles they’ve won in the last few years are incredible.
Man City pipped Arsenal by two points to win their fourth successive Premier League last term
This season, Mikel Arteta (left) is expected to benefit greatly from Jurrien Timber’s (right) return.
‘You always need to look at the best but not be like them; we need to be ahead of them. Arsenal are on the right track. I sincerely hope and believe that Arsenal will achieve great success in the near future.
Jurrien Timber’s ACL injury last season created a hole in Arsenal’s left-back position. Eight months to contend without the player the Gunners had signed for that position.
Zinchenko stepped in with mixed results. He started 20 of 38 Premier League games, but spent much of the season on the bench while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior fought for the spot.
Timber’s return complicates Zinchenko’s situation even further. He has the ability to decisively flip into midfield, which appeals to Mikel Arteta, but he has defensive vulnerabilities.
However, the Ukrainian has been encouraged by his teammate’s injury comeback. He believes that competition for spots is critical to the Gunners’ title pursuit, even if it means putting his starting status in peril.
Jakub Kiwior (left) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (right) played left-back for Arsenal at times last term
Zinchenko celebrated winning the Premier League title with Manchester City back in 2022.
‘I knew him (Timber) before he joined Arsenal,’ he said. ‘I played against him for the national squad in the Euros. I knew him as a player. He is a tremendous player and a fantastic person. He is really humble, and he works extremely hard.
‘Unfortunately for him, he recently sustained an injury, but he is doing great now. I was observing the entire process, how he was recovering from the injuries, and how hard he was working.
Congratulations to him and what he has accomplished. He deserves a great deal of credit. I want every single player in the team to perform their best. That is the only method to accomplish many things.’
Regarding his role for the upcoming season, Zinchenko stated: ‘Wherever the manager decides to use me at the club, I will be pleased to try my best and give my all.