Real Madrid has announced the team’s new shirt numbers for the upcoming season, revealing that Eden Hazard has been given the famous number seven jersey, a legacy of former legends at the club.
The Belgian, who wore no. 50 in the pre-season, will take the famous number from striker Mariano Diaz.
After the departure of Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo to Italy’s Juventus last summer, 26-year-old Diaz wore the number seven shirt upon his return to Madrid. But after contracting Hazard, it was decided that the talented Belgian international will get that number, while Mariano will wear 24.
It is to note that Hazard completed a move from Chelsea to Real Madrid this summer in a deal worth £88 million ($112 million).
Hazard continues to gain more importance at Madrid, getting the shirt number that is considered the most prestigious jersey at the LaLiga side, which was also worn by Raul Gonzalez — a player who is considered one of the most important players in the history of Real Madrid and is regarded as one of the greatest Spanish players of all-time.
Colombia’s James Rodriguez will don the number 16 jersey, having returned from a two-year loan at Germany’s Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, striker Luka Jovic will be donning number 18 shirt, defender Eder Militao number three, left-back Ferland Mendy number 23 and forward Rodrygo number 27.
Real Madrid is set to debut their 2019-20 LaLiga campaign against Celta Vigo on 17 August. The match starts at 8.30pm (IST).
(With inputs from IANS)