Chronicle Editor
BARCELONA have announced their squad numbers ahead of this season and have opted not to pass on the No.10 jersey worn by Lionel Messi during his time at the Nou Camp stadium.
This comes after Messi’s shock departure from the club after a 21-year stint due to issues with his contract renewal largely caused by Barcelona’s ongoing financial turmoil. Sergio Aguero has been given the No.19 shirt, while Dutch forward Memphis Depay will take the No.9 jersey this season.
Other notable shirt number changes include Danish forward Martin Braithwaite moving from No.9 to No.12, Spanish midfielder Riqui Puig now takes the No.6 jersey, while 18-year-old Ansu Fati moves from No.22 to No.17.
Young prospect Fati is back to full fitness after an injury plagued 2020-21 campaign and will be hoping Messi’s absence in the side will equal some more game time. His old No.22 jersey will now be worn by new arrival Emerson Royal, a 22-year-old Brazilian defender arriving from Real Betis.
The rest of the squad remains relatively unchanged despite rumours of transfer talks for the likes of Antonie Griezmann, Philippe Coutinho and Samuel Umtiti.
Barcelona are currently finalising their game plan ahead of the 2021-22 season and are readjusting to life without their star player.
Messi has left Barcelona as a free agent and has been rumoured to be considering a move to Paris Saint-Germain, who remain strong favourites to sign the 34-year-old striker.
He appeared crestfallen in a tearful news conference yesterday; his first since it was announced that he would be parting ways with Barcelona. — Mirror.co.uk
Online Reporter