Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard has asked not to wear Cristiano Ronaldo’s infamous No7 shirt at Santiago Bernabeu – and has instead chosen to wear the No23.
It might seem that the Belgian wants to separate his legacy from Ronaldo’s at the club, but his reasons for choosing not to wear the No7 shirt are not what they seem.
The No7 shirt currently belongs to Mariano Diaz, who has failed to consistently perform well in the first-team.
According to Marca, though, the 28-year-old Belgian’s love of the NBA has meant Mariano Diaz is in luck.
Arguably the most iconic basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan, wore this same No23 shirt during his career. Likewise, LeBron James wears the same number for the LA Lakers.
So despite Eden Hazard choosing David Beckham’s shirt, the Englishman supposedly had no influence on the Belgium international’s decision.
The two-time Premier League winner may have worn the No10 for the majority of his time at Stamford Bridge, but Luka Modric currently occupies the shirt.
After contributing to 31 Premier League goals last campaign, Los Blancos supporters will be more concerned with the numbers he creates on the pitch, and less worried about the one he has on his back.
Having been signed for £150million last month, this will certainly be the expectation of the Madrid faithful as well.
Rising Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi is expected to take his former team-mate’s vacant number back in London, providing he signs a new deal with the club.
With German giants Bayern Munich expected to make another move for the England international, this is not yet set in stone.
