This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
Real Madrid's Eden Hazard has finally found a jersey to call his own, but it's not the one he had his heart set on. The 28-year-old Belgian international has been assigned the No.23 jersey, a number previously worn by David Beckham and Isco.
However, this decision comes after a long-standing dispute over the iconic No.7 and No.10 shirts. Hazard had his eyes on the No.7 jersey, which was famously worn by Cristiano Ronaldo for nine years, but it's currently being worn by Mariano Diaz.
According to Spanish news outlet Marca, Diaz is 'adamant' he will not give up his shirt, despite Hazard's attempts to persuade him. Diaz had re-signed with Real Madrid last season and has made just 13 appearances for the team.
As for the No.10 shirt, Hazard had been turned down by Luka Modric, who has made it clear he will not let go of it. Hazard had played with the number 10 during his spell at Chelsea, but it's now worn by Modric.
Speaking at his unveiling, Hazard joked about asking Modric to lend him the No.10 shirt, but Modric said no. Hazard has now been forced to look for another number and has chosen the No.23 jersey, which he hopes will bring him good luck.
As for why he chose the No.23 jersey, Hazard has cited his love for basketball, where the number 23 is famously worn by Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Source: Tuko
