Chelsea star Kai Havertz reveals his footballing idol and why he wears No.29
Chelsea midfielder Kai Havertz has revealed that he grew up idolising Ronaldinho.
The 25-year-German international was answering fans’ questions on his Twitter page when he made that revelation. Although predominantly a deep-lying forward, who’s also capable of playing across the forward line, Havertz’s squad number is ’29’ which has been the case since 2016 when representing boyhood club Bayer Leverkusen.
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A curious follower wanted to know why he doesn’t wear a traditional figure and Havertz’s answer was as sentimental as you can get. “Me and brother used to use 29 when we created ourself (sic) on FIFA05,” he wrote. After registering 46 goals and creating 31 more across 150 appearances for Leverkusen a host of ‘super clubs’ were pushing for his signature but the Aachen native opted for Chelsea where he’s gradually developed into a reliable presence.
Havertz initially struggled for regular starting berths under Frank Lampard’s leadership but that would change once Thomas Tuchel was installed as Blues head coach. Having featured either on the right flank or behind Chelsea’s centre-forward the former Borussia Dortmund boss would convert him into a false nine which has paid dividends.
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Across no fewer than 40 appearances, while operating as Chelsea’s centre-forward, the German forward bagged 14 goals which is five more he’s produced from attacking midfield while playing four games fewer. His instincts in the final third had many wondering if he was inspired by someone growing up and when that question was put to him Havertz gave his answer.
Ronaldinho! https://t.co/h0xX14YgOd pic.twitter.com/qjh9OfB6Es
— Kai Havertz (@kaihavertz29) July 2, 2022
Last season was Havertz’s most productive since relocating to Stamford Bridge in September 2020 — eight goals in 29 league appearances — and heading into the forthcoming campaign many are expecting him to once again be among Chelsea’s key performers.
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