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Thomas Partey explains decision to change Arsenal squad number

Thomas Partey, Arsenal
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Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has announced a change in squad number for the 2021/22 campaign at the Emirates Stadium.

Thomas Partey hopes switching to his ‘lucky’ number five jersey will bring him a change of fortune at Arsenal for next season.

The former Atletico Madrid midfielder has swapped his No.18 jersey for the No.5 one, which was last worn by Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos – who joined Olympiacos in January.

Now Partey, who suffered a series of injury setbacks during his debut Gunners campaign, hopes for a fresh start with a familiar number on his back.

“I like the No.5 because it’s one of the most important numbers in the team and it is also a lucky number for me,” he told the club’s website.

“It’s the number’s I’ve worn for the past few years, so for me it’s one of the best numbers.”

The No.5 has mostly been used by defenders in recent history at Arsenal with players such as Martin Keown, Kolo Toure, Gabriel Paulista, and Thomas Vermaelen.

Partey and Arsenal begin their pre-season schedule with a friendly against Scottish club Hibernian on July 13.

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