The Serbian goalkeeper, who completed his move from New England Revolution over the weekend, takes the number made famous in Chelsea blue by former skipper Cesar Azpilicueta, who left it vacant following his summer departure to Atletico Madrid.

Petrovic, who has signed a seven-year deal with the club, has chosen to take over from the Spaniard in wearing the No.28 jersey but revealed that, although delighted with his choice, it wasn’t his first option should he have had his way…

‘I’m very happy to wear number 28 and I know it means a lot at this club [following on from Azpilicueta],’ said the Serb.

‘I asked for number 99 originally [the number he wore in the MLS] but I was told it was too high for the Premier League. I saw what was available after that and I liked the look of the No.28 jersey.’

Petrovic will hope to be considered for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon as he prepares for a potential debut, with our next Premier League fixture coming against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.