Manchester City are edging closer to completing the unthinkable signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, bringing the ex-Manchester United back to the Premier League from Juventus before the end of the transfer window.
The news, which has developed dramatically over the course of the day, is set to send more shockwaves through the football universe just weeks after Lionel Messi moved from Barcelona to PSG.
While Juventus are still asking for €28/30m fee for Ronaldo as they won’t sell him on a free, Jorge Mendes is talking directly with Manchester City and discussing about personal terms/contract. 🇵🇹 #CR7 #MCFC
Juventus are still waiting for Man City decision about €28/30m fee.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2021
Messi swapped his no.10 jersey to the no.30, a number of significance for the Argentine who made his debut for Barca wearing that number, but what are the shirt numbers available to Cristiano Ronaldo should he complete the move to Eastlands? The choice may come with an ironic twist.
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| What shirt will Cristiano Ronaldo wear for Manchester City |
The number 7 is synonymous with Ronaldo from his six year spell at Old Trafford. He wore no.9 at Real Madrid before switching to no.7 which he has worn at Juventus. In the 2004-05 season, Ronaldo wore no.10 for Portugal.
Despite rumours earlier this summer, Raheem Sterling looks set to stay at City and he is currently occupying the no.7 jersey whilst Gabriel Jesus wears no.9. The only current number which stands out for Ronaldo to take, like Messi, links back to his breakthrough season in European football.
Whilst coming through at Sporting Lisbon were his dazzling footwork attracted the advances of Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United, Ronaldo wore no.28. This number is available and waiting and would be a nice anecdote for the 36-year-old, who could finish his career in blue. For both Messi and Ronaldo, for all they have given a generation of football fans, to see them both shirt numbers which have a significant reference to their careers would be a special resemblance.
Rumours have been rumbling for quite some time that Ronaldo wanted out of Juventus but no one could have anticipated it would be Manchester City that would be his destination. Having missed out on Harry Kane, you couldn’t possibly ask for a better second option. With title rivals Chelsea securing Romelu Lukaku, it could be another superstar who now gives City the edge in what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
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| Ronaldo at Juventus in pre-season |
Featured Image Credit: PA Images