When the striker made his move to Villa for a hefty £18million in 2011, he was regarded as one of the Premier League’s most talented goal-scorers. With high hopes of becoming the club’s new number 9, he eagerly anticipated the start of his Villa career.
However, things took an unexpected twist when Villa boss Gerard Houllier insisted that he wear the number 39 shirt. Strangely enough, this decision had nothing to do with any personal significance or tradition. Houllier simply wanted a number with a nine in it, and number 39 fit the bill. It seemed like a bizarre request to the striker, who questioned the reasoning behind it.
During a conversation about shirt numbers, the former striker revealed this peculiar story to his Drive Time co-host. They delved into the topic of players wearing iconic numbers, like Dominik Szoboszlai wearing number 8 at Liverpool, previously worn by the legendary Steven Gerrard. When asked if he would wear a number between two and four, the striker flatly refused, stating that it would only be number 8 for him. His adoration for Ian Wright, his hero and the previous owner of that number at his beloved Arsenal, made it clear why that was the only option for him. He even proudly mentioned wearing it during his stint at Godmanchester Rovers.
Thankfully, the striker’s wish would eventually come true. Just six months after his arrival at Villa, the coveted number 9 shirt became available. Knowing this was the perfect opportunity, he wasted no time in claiming it for himself. The following season turned out to be a successful one for him, as he showcased his goal-scoring prowess by finding the back of the net 10 times in 25 matches, solidifying his worthiness of the prestigious jersey.
The striker’s career spanned various clubs, starting from Ipswich and including stints at Charlton, Tottenham, Sunderland, and Fulham. However, his five seasons at Villa Park were particularly noteworthy. After retiring from the game, he left a lasting legacy with 106 Premier League goals under his belt.
