Tosun explains his choice of shirt number

In case you were wondering why Cenk Tosun went with the #14 shirt when he signed for Everton during the January transfer window, he has now clarified why. Apart from the fact that there were not too many lower numbers still available, the Turkish forward’s first choice was not available and he wasn’t about to get into a spat with one of the most popular Toffees over it either.

Speaking with media outlet Turkish Football, Tosun explained that his first preference was for the #23 shirt, in tribute to his favourite NBA player and sports legend Michael Jordan, and the same number he wore at Besiktas.

However, after moving to the Blues he discovered that Seamus Coleman had the shirt number locked up -

“Seamus Coleman has been number 23 for eight years so I knew to forget about that.

“I really like Seamus, I didn’t even ask, it wouldn’t have been cool.”

Tosun’s second choice was the #14 that was available, and also the shirt number worn by another one of his sporting idols, former Arsenal and France forward Thierry Henry.

“I turned my attention to number 14, it has been worn by some of the greats like Thierry Henry so that is the rationale behind my thinking.”

With four goals in his last three games, Tosun is finally settling in and will be heavily relied upon in the Blues next couple of games - a visit by champions-elect Manchester City and then the return leg of the Merseyside Derby against Liverpool at Goodison Park.