Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 8y

Granit Xhaka has Arsenal squad number changed to No. 29 from No. 16

New Arsenal signing Granit Xhaka has change his squad number -- after just four days.

The Gunners had initially said Xhaka would wear No. 16 after it was vacated by Aaron Ramsey, who will switch to No. 8, but changed it on Tuesday and said he'll wear No. 29 instead.

The Switzerland midfielder became Arsenal's first summer signing last week after joining from Gladbach in a deal worth around £30 million.

"The number has special significance for him as it is the reverse of his year of birth -- 92," Arsenal said in a statement. "We had previously announced he would be wearing No 16.

"Supporters who ordered shirts with his name and the original number via Arsenal Direct or in Arsenal stores will have their shirts automatically printed with the new number. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes but hope our supporters understand the special circumstances on this occasion."

Xhaka had to give up the No. 34 he has worn at previous clubs FC Basel and Borussia Monchengladbach -- and has tattooed on his back -- as that number is already taken by Francis Coquelin at Arsenal.

It's been quite a number rotation at Arsenal since the season ended. With Tomas Rosicky and Mikel Arteta leaving the club, Alexis Sanchez and Ramsey have taken over the No. 7 and No. 8 shirts respectively. Alex Iwobi then inherited No. 17 from Sanchez, while Xhaka had been set to take Ramsey's No. 16 before his change of heart.

In 2009, Nicklas Bendtner changed his squad number in August just before the season started from 26 to 52 -- he personally covered "the cost of replacing anyone's shirt that has my previous number. "

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