Cristiano Ronaldo completed a shock move back to Old Trafford on transfer deadline day with fans wondering what jersey number will be given to him as Premier League jersey rule may hinder him taking his iconic number 7 back.
According to Premier League rule, once a jersey number is registered for the season, it cannot be given away except the player wearing it is sold or loaned.
However, with the departure of Daniel James to Leeds on Deadline Day, United have been given permission by the Premier League for Cavani to take James’ vacant No 21 shirt, with Ronaldo reclaiming the No 7 shirt from Cavani.
Manchester United are aware of this and are ready to make necessary provisions by selling James in order to make the iconic 7 available for their star player.
The 36-year-old takes the number 7 which he wore in his first stint at Old Trafford, from Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani – who moves to number 21 left by James. The same number he wears for the Uruguayan national team.
“I wasn’t sure if it would be possible to have the number seven shirt again, so I would like to say a huge thank you to Edi [Cavani] for this incredible gesture,” Ronaldo said.
Cristiano Ronaldo will fly to Manchester after his early release from international duty with Portugal, but will have to isolate for 5 days because he has not been granted an elite sports exemption by the UK Government.
Ronaldo became the all-time leading men’s international goalscorer with two goals against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, but was booked by the referee for removing his shirt.
“The Portuguese superstar famously wore the legendary shirt number during his first spell at United and we can now confirm that Ronaldo will have it on his back once again,” United said on their website.
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