Emi Martinez has made the switch to wearing the No. 1 jersey at Chelsea Football Club following the departure of Robert Sanchez, who moved to Italian club Como. Martinez first joined the club in a £7.5 million transfer from Aston Villa and initially wore the No. 26 shirt, a number with a special place in Chelsea history. This choice was influenced by a conversation with former Chelsea captain John Terry, who had famously worn No. 26 during his career. Martinez made his debut in this number against Brighton earlier in the season. Now that the No. 1 jersey is available, Martinez has decided to make the change, opting for the more traditional number worn by goalkeepers at the club. Chelsea confirmed the switch, and Martinez is set to wear No. 1 when he faces his former club, Arsenal. However, some fans had already purchased jerseys with his name and the No. 26 for the upcoming season. In a gesture of goodwill, Martinez has offered to sign these shirts for the fans who bought them, provided they bring proof of purchase to Stamford Bridge by October 4. Martinez has previously expressed pride in the legacy of the No. 26 shirt at Chelsea. He had worn it during loan spells at other clubs and was aware of its historical significance, particularly due to John Terry's time in the number. Upon joining the club, Martinez spoke with Terry, who welcomed him and expressed excitement about his arrival. Martinez even sent a text to Terry the morning he signed with Chelsea, letting him know he would be wearing Terry’s former shirt with pride. The switch to No. 1 marks a new chapter for Martinez at Chelsea, aligning him more closely with the club’s traditional goalkeeper identity. While some fans may feel a sense of loss over the change, Martinez’s willingness to engage with them personally shows his commitment to building a positive relationship with the supporters.