Just in: Mason Mount reveals why he ignores to take Frank Lampard’s number 8 shirt at Chelsea
When you ask of the No. 8 shirt for Chelsea, it’s a very special number as it was worn by one of the club’s greatest players, Frank Lampard.
Mason Mount has been deemed as heir apparent to Frank Lampard, and he’s probably the closest thing we’ve got to the midfield legend.
Mount wore the number eight shirt when he was on loan at Derby County under Lampard, but is yet to do so at Chelsea.
The number 8 jersey became vacant with Ross Barkley not in the squad for the 2021-22 season, but Mount maintained his No. 19 shirt while Mateo Kovacic took over the No. 8 shirt.
Mount hinted earlier this year that he’s actually targeting the No. 10 jersey, but it may not be available for a long time as it’s being worn by Christian Pulisic.
Explaining his No. 19 jersey, Mount told Chelsea TV earlier this year: “It’s my first number at Vitesse. I chose it, because my birthday is on 10 [January] and I couldn’t get the number 10.
“So I got 19, because nine plus one is 10 [laugh].
“When I got to Chelsea, all the good numbers were taken, so I got 19 again.”
The other probable reason he didn’t get the No. 8 shirt this season is because Kovacic is also a senior player. So he may have to wait his turn.