Arsenal's new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan has chosen a rather bizarre shirt number for the Europa League knockout rounds.The Armenian midfielder joined from Manchester United in a swap-deal involving Alexis Sanchez and he was immediately handed the number seven shirt which was vacated by the Chilean.“I’m very happy that we could finish this deal and I’m very happy to be here," said Mkhitaryan."It’s a dream come true because I’ve always dreamed of playing for Arsenal. Now that I’m here, I’ll do my best for this club to create history."The former Borussia Dortmund star fell out of favour under Jose Mourinho and was allowed to leave Old Trafford just 18 months after joining."I believe Mkhi is going to be even better than he was with us," said Mourinho. "With one-and-a-half years in England, adapted, Arsenal play the way they think. I think it’s a good move for everybody, that's why I'm also happy for Mkhi."
Mkhitaryan's shirt number in the Europa League
Mkhitaryan isn’t permitted to wear the number seven shirt in the Europa League because Alexis Sanchez has already worn it.
Arsenal explained why on their website upon securing the 29-year-old's signature from Man United.
“The No 7 shirt was vacated by Alexis this month but, because our former forward wore the number during our group-stage win against Cologne back in September, UEFA rules state that Mkhitaryan must wear a different number for the remainder of our Europa League campaign."
Arsenal's updated Europa League squad list on UEFA's official website shows that Mkhitaryan will wear the number 77 shirt for the knockout matches.
His former Dortmund teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang couldn't be included because he's played for a club who are currently still involved in the Europa League.
The Gunners are considered massive favourites for their upcoming two-legged last 32 tie against Swedish club Ostersund.
Eight points behind fourth placed Chelsea, winning the Europa League might be Arsenal's best hope of qualifying for next season's Champions League.
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