Nicklas Bendtner has promised to pay full refunds to any Arsenal fans who paid for a replica shirt with his name and number on it after he changed his squad number to 52.

The Denmark striker, hoping for a strong season after Emmanuel Adebayor's departure, says the number is a "special number to me personally", and apologised to his fans for the inconvenience.

Bendtner told the club's website: "The new season's almost here, and along with the rest of the players I'm really excited.

"Before it starts I wanted to change my squad number from 26 which I've had for a number of seasons now. I chose to move to 52 because it's a special number to me personally, and I hope that it brings me good luck."

Bendtner, who scored 15 goals in 50 games last season, added: "I appreciate that a good number of fans have bought their 2009-10 kits with names and numbers.

"I'd like personally to cover the cost of replacing anyone's shirt that has my previous number. It means a lot to see supporters wearing your name and number."

Arsenal say the refund offer is open to fans who bought their shirts through Arsenal club outlets.