Arsenal fans seem amused by Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s shirt number change for the Europa League and are over-the-moon with Santi Cazorla’s surprise inclusion in the squad.
On Friday, Arsenal fans were greeted with two bits of interesting Europa League news.
Firstly, Mkhitaryan’s shirt number for the European tournament will be #77. The 28-year-old’s usual shirt number for other competitions is #7 but since Alexis Sanchez has already worn it in the Europa League this season, Mkhi can’t.
It’s a stupid rule and most people seem to agree, although many find the fact that he just added another 7 to his usual shirt number pretty amusing.
Almost as if he got told at the last minute and just thought “f*** it!”
so good they had to double him
— Karenina (@Goonerette_7) February 2, 2018
Say waaaaaaat?? 😂 😂 😂
— Big Baad Wolf (@Big_Baad_Wolf_) February 2, 2018
Aha what odd number aha
— -Yahya (@Aubaccuracy) February 2, 2018
77? WTF? 😂
— Jamie (@J4m_n3ll) February 2, 2018
He should be twice as good in the Europa then!
— Alan Membury (@AlanMembury) February 2, 2018
11 times the player Alexis is
— Siddu (@sidduishere) February 2, 2018
How ludicrous is that rule
— Stan (@stan0h) February 2, 2018
“And shirts will be installed with velcro strips to allow supporters to add and remove the extra 7 as they wish.”
— Thomas J Delany (@What_TJD_Said) February 2, 2018
Mkhi isn’t cup-tied completely because, somewhat annoyingly, he’s only played in the Champions League for Manchester United this season.
Secondly, Cazorla has been included in the new Europa League squad, which is rather exciting considering the little midfield maestro has been sidelined with an Achilles injury – and subsequent complications – since October 2016.
The 33-year-old is a real fan favourite so if we get to see him play in red-and-white again, Gooners would be over-the-moon.
The Spaniard’s contract runs out at the end of the season so hopefully we get to see him play for Arsenal at least one last time and his inclusion isn’t just for numbers. Sadly, though, it probably is.
— Devin (@Devin_thedude_) February 2, 2018
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
— Sam Jones (@samjoneslondon) February 2, 2018
Cazorla!!?? pic.twitter.com/4lCzFEMu1E
— King Özil 👑 (@MasterMesut11) February 2, 2018
OHHHH SANTI CAZOOOOOORLA 🔥🔥🔥
— Nec (@Stormzylnnit) February 2, 2018
Santi? This means he’s fit enuff?!🙏🙏🤞🤞
— Nits440 (@royalist440) February 2, 2018
Just think how different things could have been if Cazorla hadn’t been injured for so long. Such an amazing player, such a shame he’s missed so much. Hopefully he’ll be back to full strength soon. We need him back!!
— SaltBeef (@TheMoanyJew) February 2, 2018
There is nothing I want more than seeing Santi play again!
— Burrit0 (@FifaMudzin) February 2, 2018