Mario Balotelli has taken the No45 Manchester City shirt from Greg Cunningham.
The former Inter Milan striker signed with City last week.
"I have worn the number all my football life and wanted to carry on here at City," declared the Italian on City's website.
Cunningham had no problem letting Balotelli take over the number 45.
"I had no real attachment to it except that I made my debut wearing it," he said after signing a new four-year contract.
"I was asked if I minded changing shirt numbers and I didn't have any problem with that at all.
"I've taken on No.22 now, which is Richard Dunne's old shirt number, so I've big boots to fill! Hopefully, I can do the shirt justice as obviously I'm a big admirer of Dunney.
"I've not told him but I'll let him know on the next Ireland trip!"
