The 29-year-old has been handed the number 30 shirt by Arsenal – it was previously worn by goalkeeper, Matt Turner.
There are two iconic numbers still available at the club, including the number ten shirt, which was worn by Emile Smith Rowe before he joined Fulham.
It was suggested that Arsenal’s new boy Sterling would have been handed that number, but he has unexpectedly taken the number 30 instead.
Perhaps, the Chelsea loanee doesn’t want to step on anyone’s toes and, because he is on loan, he wants to prove himself before taking the big number – that’s if he signs for the club for good.
Sterling took to Instagram to react to his new number as he is pictured donning the club’s away shirt.
The England international wrote ‘new threads’, ‘new number’, ‘new focus’ and ‘buzzing to be a Gunner’.
Declan Rice, who has shared an England dressing room with his new club teammate, reacted in the comments section to Sterling in his new kit and with his squad number.
Raheem Sterling to wear number 30 shirt for Arsenal
‘They ain’t ready,’ wrote Rice.
It would be quite the story if Sterling scores on his debut and in such a big game. If that happens, then even the Chelsea fans might cheer.
There is big pressure on both teams going into the game, with the Gunners dropping points against Brighton and they will be without the suspended Rice.
As for Spurs, they were beaten at Newcastle, after dropping points at Leicester on the opening weekend of the new season, so further dropped points would put serious pressure on Ange Postecoglou.
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