New Barcelona signing and emerging star Frenkie De Jong has explained why he turned down the number 14 shirt at Barcelona, De Jong is eager to avoid comparisons with Dutch and Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff.
Cruyff, who is one of the most iconic players in Barcelona history, used to wear the number 14, but De Jong does not want comparisons to the Camp Nou legend.
90 Minute state that after that, after already rejecting Nike’s request to wear the name ‘Frenkie’ on his shirt, De Jong declined the opportunity to wear 14, even though he was honoured that Barcelona looked to compare him to Cruyff.
He said: “I feel comfortable with that number. I could easily play with another number, you know, it’s not a problem, but it is nice that it also gives people a way of recognising me.
“I brought my whole family to my presentation in Barcelona, except my grandfather Hans de Jong, my father’s father. He died on the day of my 21st birthday. Unconsciously it is also a kind of tribute. He was a huge football fan.
“I am sorry that he could not experience this and I am so happy that the rest of my family could attend.”
Number 21 is currently worn by midfielder Carles Alena, but the Spaniard will now be assigned a different number to accommodate De Jong’s wishes
Source : 90 Minute
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