Facundo Pellistri reveals how Cristiano Ronaldo inspired his Manchester United shirt number even though it’s not No.7
It turns out Cristiano Ronaldo is still having his influence on Manchester United despite leaving the club over a year ago.
One of the Red Devils emerging first team stars Facundo Pellistri made his senior debut for the club in January, bagging an assist after coming on in the 3-0 Carabao Cup quarter-final win against Charlton.
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Although he didn't cross paths with Ronaldo for long due to his two loan spells with Alaves following his move from Uruguayan outfit Penarol in 2020, Pellistri clearly looked up to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
He's been more than inspired by the ex-Red Devils star - who previously played on the right wing like Pellistri - that he's even influenced his choice of shirt number.
That's despite him not wearing Ronaldo's famous No.7 shirt.
Speaking at a Manchester United's fans' Q&A as he celebrated his 22nd birthday, Pellistri said on his choice to wear No.28: "Well because, when I came here to Manchester, I was playing in Penarol and I had the no.10.
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"So the two plus the eight, they sum up to 10. So that’s why I take it. And, later, I realised that number was the one Ronaldo also made his debut in and all that. So, for me, that number is very special."
Now-Al Nassr star Ronaldo wore the no.28 when he made his first appearance for his first club Sporting Lisbon.
He also wore it when he made that famous appearance in the pre-season friendly against Sir Alex Ferguson's United back in 2003.
The legendary Red Devils boss immediately signed him up and well, the rest is history.
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Ronaldo went on to score 145 goals for the club across two spells, making 64 assists in 346 appearances. He also won the Champions League, three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups there.
After just shy of one calendar year in the first team, Pellistri has a while until he racks up as many games for the club, with 22 under his belt so far.
Footage shows Cristiano Ronaldo's unfazed reaction as furious Al-Hilal player gets in the Portugese stars in his face
He's already bagged himself two assists. No doubt he'll be hoping he can emulate Ronaldo as he builds his legacy at the club.
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