Lukaku declined Osimhen's number 9 jersey after joining Napoli

Posted : 02 October 2024

According to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, as reported by Calcio Napoli, Romelu Lukaku declined to wear the number 9 jersey at Napoli due to his respect for Victor Osimhen. The number 9 shirt had been associated with Osimhen for four consecutive seasons, ever since he joined Napoli from Lille in France. His impactful performances made the jersey number significant to both the player and the club.

Following a couple of unsuccessful transfer attempts on deadline day to Al-Ahli and Chelsea, Napoli decided to reassign Osimhen's number 9 jersey. The club reportedly offered it to Lukaku, who had rejoined his former coach at Inter Milan, Antonio Conte, during the summer transfer window. This transition generated anticipation among fans about how Lukaku would fill the role.

However, in a surprising move, Lukaku chose to forgo the number 9 kit, opting instead for the number 11 jersey. This number became available after Moroccan forward Walid Cheddira moved to Espanyol on loan on August 27. Lukaku’s decision reflects a thoughtful consideration of Osimhen’s legacy at the club, demonstrating a sense of sportsmanship and respect.

The number 9 has traditionally been Lukaku's preferred jersey throughout his career, as he has donned it at clubs like Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Manchester United. This choice further emphasizes the significance of the number for him as a player, making his decision to switch quite notable.

This marks the first time Lukaku has taken the number 11 jersey at the club level, although he has previously worn this number while representing his national team. His willingness to adapt and embrace a new number illustrates his commitment to his new team and the fans, while still holding on to the respect for his predecessors.

Despite Osimhen’s recent loan move to Galatasaray for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season, the number 9 jersey remains unassigned. The historical significance of this jersey adds another layer to the decision, as it has been worn by several notable players in Napoli’s history.

Past wearers of the prestigious number 9 shirt include celebrated figures like Fernando Llorente, Gonzalo Higuaín, Nicola Amoruso, Daniel Fonseca, Gianfranco Zola, and Ramón Díaz. Lukaku's choice not to take the number 9 signifies his understanding of its weight and the impact of the players who came before him.

Lukaku declined Osimhen's number 9 jersey after joining Napoli

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