Former Chelsea defender Khalid Boulahrouz has recalled why he took the No9 shirt with the Blues.

The Dutchman admits his decision was even questioned by then manager Jose Mourinho.

"My dream was to play at a top club one day, so I thought: maybe I can force it this way," joked Boulahrouz on FOX Sports. “No, I just arrived and it was all last minute. The competition had already started and two days before the match against Middlesbrough I signed. I was only allowed to play a day before that match.

“I then had to choose a number and the kit man from Chelsea began with number nine. And then he quickly jumped to 45, 47 ... Then I thought: I am not going to play with those kind of numbers. So I said, 'Okay, give me number nine'," said Boulahrouz, who encountered an astonished Mourinho the next day.

"On the day of the match, he came to me at the hotel and asked, 'Why did you choose number nine?' I said, 'Yes, I don't like to play with numbers 47 or 49. You can imagine that, right?' But he says, 'But number two is also available.'

"I thought: oh God, what am I doing ?! I think that kitman has set me up."