This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
Barcelona's Frenkie De Jong has expressed his desire to wear the No.21 jersey, a number that holds sentimental value for him.
De Jong's grandfather, Hans de Jong, passed away on his 21st birthday, and the Dutch international has worn the number as a tribute to him during his time at Ajax and the Netherlands.
According to SportBIBLE, citing Mundo Deportivo, De Jong has spoken to Carles Alena about the possibility of sporting the No.21 jersey once the new season kicks off.
Alena, who has been wearing the No.21 jersey, is now understood to be ready to give up the jersey for De Jong.
De Jong's affinity for the No.21 jersey is not surprising, given the emotional connection he has with the number.
"I feel comfortable with that number," De Jong told Dutch magazine Voetbal International.
"I brought my whole family to my presentation in Barcelona, except my grandfather Hans de Jong, my father's father. He died on the day of my 21st birthday. Unconsciously it is also a kind of tribute. He was a huge football fan," he divulged.
