Here Is Why Cesc Fàbregas Is Wearing Shirt No. 44 For Monaco

Jan 17, 2019

by Chris

Former Arsenal, FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC legend Cesc Fabregas joined French side AS Monaco on January 11 2019. The Spaniard made his AS Monaco debut in the league match against Olympique Marseille on Sunday wearing the No. 44 shirt instead of his eternal number 4.

Many people asked why he did not wear his No. 4 shirt - we find out why. Thanks to our French friends Footpack for the information and pictures.

Fàbregas made his Arsenal debut not wearing the No. 4 shirt but the number 57 kit. At the start of the 2005-06 season, after the departure of Patrick Vieira to Juventus, Fàbregas was given the Frenchman's number 4 shirt.

The reason for Fabregas preferring the No. 4 shirt is that he idolized Barcelona's then-captain and number four Pep Guardiola, who would later give Fàbregas his shirt. He was also born on 4 May 1987.

Cesc Fabregas Wears No. 44 Kit For AS Monaco Because Of Ligue 1 Rules

The reason for Cesc Fabregas not be able to wear the No. 4 for now can be found in LFP's league rules. The numbers rule is defined in paragraph 670.

"Every Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 club must establish the number assignment list on Isyfoot 72 hours before the start of the competition. This list can not exceed 30 names, the number 30 is the last in the list may be supplemented and updated with every movement in the club. If a club justifies employ over 30 professional players under contract, the board may grant an exception to the preceding paragraph. Whimsical dials are prohibited (example: 45 - 82).

AS Monaco has already 30 players under contract, and the No. 4 shirt is already already assigned to Jean-Eudes Aholou. Therefore, the Spanish international will have to be satisfied with a double 4 on his jersey until the end of the season.

The numbers 1, 16 and 30 are exclusively and necessarily reserved for goalkeepers. Ultimately, the number 40 can be assigned. All teams must have a jersey with number 33 that is not assigned to a player and reserved for breaking replacements. A directory is established early in the season and available to referees and delegates by the LFP."

It seems likely that Fabregas will take back his favorite number 4 at the beginning of next season.