Chelsea's new signing inherits jersey number once worn by Nigerian midfielder

Through the club's official website, Chelsea have confirmed the squad number Dario Essugo will wear in the upcoming season.

The Blues completed the signing of the Lisbon-born Portuguese youth international of Angolan descent ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, with the holding midfielder signing a long-term contract running until 2033.

Commenting on his move to Chelsea, Essugo said: "It's a big step to make in my early career. Every player dreams of getting to a big club, and Chelsea is no exception. 

"It's a massive club and I'm feeling proud and very happy to be here.

"Chelsea showed big interest in me. When that happens, you can't turn it down. When my Dad told me Chelsea were interested, I was very happy and here we are now!”

Essugo has been assigned the number 14 shirt at Chelsea, a number previously worn by London-born former Nigerian defensive midfielder Eddie Newton.

Newton is best remembered as a Chelsea player for scoring against Middlesbrough in the final of the 1997 FA Cup.

A product of the Chelsea academy, Newton served as an assistant coach to Frank Lampard and previously held the same role under Roberto Di Matteo and Guus Hiddink.

He made over 180 appearances in all competitions during his time with Chelsea, winning the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup Winners Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

Other players of African descent who have previously worn Chelsea's number 14 shirt include Trevoh Chalobah, Fikayo Tomori, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Bertrand Traore and Geremi Njitap.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel