Footballers used to be the last people you would look to for fashion pointers – unless you were into back-perms and mullets.But post David Beckham and the ridiculous hike in salaries, things have changed.

It’s a sign of the times that Giorgio Armani has been chosen to design the Chelsea team’s official suit for the new season. The Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, is an Armani fan and liaised closely with the designer on the project – even down to the precise shade of the chocolate-brown suede boots, about which Mourinho is said to have been most particular. The full outfit, which will be available to the public, includes a navy two-button lightweight wool suit and elegantly cut shirt, as well as a polo shirt, mac and cashmere coat.

But are the Chelsea squad natural star players when it comes to fashion? And how do they keep up with their image-conscious Wags? To find out, Style caught up with them after a training session.

Giorgio Armani’s collection for Chelsea is available from Emporio Armani stores. Prices range from £99 for a shirt to £599 for a suit

ASHLEY COLE

The defender and England regular, 26, is married to the Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy. They often look like a matching pair. ”If it looks like that, it’s just because we’re in synch,” he says.

Smart moves Cole wore a champagne-coloured Roberto Cavalli suit for the wedding (to match Tweedy’s dress by the same designer). He favours statement watches, and has a distinctive Cartier Santos 100 with a graphite bezel.

Key pieces “I’ve just bought a Gucci leather biker jacket, which is pretty special, and I’m right into my Japanese denim.” And on his feet? “The new Y-3 trainers.”

Shop tactics “I’ve got a mate in Manchester who brings us a load of stuff to look at, so I pick up bits from him.” Who splurges the most on clothes? He laughs: “Always Cheryl.”

JOHN TERRY

The England and Chelsea captain, 26, is an ambassador for club and country, and inadvertent champion of the nation’s cardigan-wearers. He has twin daughters with his wife and childhood sweetheart, Toni Poole.

Smart moves Terry got married in June in a bespoke white suit by Richard James. He claims he has sharpened up his act with age. “I wear suits,” he says, “but I like them with a nice open-neck shirt and a bit of knitwear over the top.”

Key pieces Armani’s brown suede boots tick all the right boxes. “If there is anything I’m fussy about, it’s my shoes matching my belt. If I’m not happy with that, I start the outfit again from scratch.” Terry wears a grey Rolex Daytona watch and recently bought a Franck Muller for £80,000.

Shop tactics Family shopping trips win out over solo missions.

DIDIER DROGBA

The 29-year-old Ivory Coast international and explosive striker is a bit of a glamour boy in the international arena. He is married to Alla, whom he met in Paris. They have three children.

Smart moves He looks good in the team suit, and otherwise favours pinstripes and open-neck shirts for dapper moments. But his default style is more street than neat.

Key pieces Appliquéd and embroidered T-shirts and baseball caps by his friend Christian Audigier, Evisu printed tees, military-style jackets and decorated denims. High-end watches are a passion, and he recounts his top three like a connoisseur: “Number one Hublot, number two Audemars Piguet, and number three De Grisogono.”

Shop tactics “I like to shop in London; it’s very different from Paris. There are big shops such as Dolce & Gabbana and Cavalli next to smaller ones that carry unusual labels.

Mixing it is what my style is all about.”

CLAUDE MAKELELE

Makelele, 34, is a Chelsea midfielder and French international. He is married to Noémie Lenoir, the French actress and M&S model. They have a son.

Smart moves Think casual elegance: knits and T-shirts mixed with smart jackets. “Gucci’s simple evening pieces suit me well,” he says, though he is not averse to the occasional blazer with screen-print details.

Key pieces Favours the North American denim brands 1921 and 7 For All Mankind, plus anything by Dolce & Gabbana. “It’s not too fussy and showy,” he says. “Not like Versace.”

Shop tactics Makelele prefers to shop in London with pals, rather than in Paris with Lenoir. “My friends and I have always been involved with fashion and this is how we do things. We bounce ideas off each other.”

ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO

Shevchenko is shaping up to be Beckham’s natural successor in the style premiership. Although from the Ukraine, the 30-year-old striker is an honorary Italian, after services rendered to AC Milan. He is married to the American model Kristen Pazik.

Smart moves Armani all the way. A former poster boy for the designer, his relationship with the brand is so strong that he owns some of the franchises in his native Ukraine. A details obsessive, he calls the tailor back several times during his fitting to ensure his sleeves reveal just the right amount of cuff.

Key pieces “I like a nice jacket with elegant lines, and trousers that are cut to show off my shoes. That’s my big thing – Italian shoes.” He has a Rolex Daytona on his wrist.

Shop tactics He looks puzzled when asked if he or Pazik spends more on clothes. “I have no idea,”hedeadpans. “I never

JOE COLE

The midfielder, 25, is engaged to super-Wag Carly Zucker. “I like to do my own thing when it comes to clothes,” he says. “Becks has been a big influence, but there’s loads of clones out there now.”

Smart moves Cole is more likely to be seen wearing Hugo Boss jeans and flip-flops than formal gear. “I’ve had a sharp Dunhill suit made,” he says, “but I only wear it for weddings and christenings.”

Key pieces “I’m into the smart leather jackets that Paul Smith does. I’ve got two colours on the go at the moment.”

Shop tactics Different from his fiancée. “Carly likes to spend all day shopping. Me, I go out on my own bulk-buying mission,” he says. “My mum buys me nice stuff, too – that’ll be my Sunday lunches sorted out for a while.”

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