"So to be able to wear it after him, it's a great gratification" - Liverpool star ecstatic as he attains Sadio Mane's shirt number
After Sadio Mane's departure, Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott expressed his delight at being given the number 19 shirt for the 2022-23 season.
The Senegalese international joined Bayern Munich this summer, and his shirt has been transferred to the 19-year-old Elliott, who's elated about it. "Obviously the number became available; some great players have worn it in the past - the likes of Sadio, and the list goes on," he told Liverpoolfc.com (via Liverpool Echo). I believe it was an opportunity to move down the ranks in terms of numbers, and it's a fantastic number for me. As a kid, I had a Sadio shirt with the number 19 on it. It's a great pleasure to be able to wear it after him."
Elliott has worn the No.67 shirt for Liverpool since joining from Fulham in 2019 and has made 20 appearances for the club. Following the change in jersey numbers, the young midfielder will hope to demonstrate his ability to handle the pressure of expectations.
"At the end of the day, a number is just a number," the Englishman added, "but it's just nice to have a lower number." Going into another season, I believe it is a fantastic opportunity.
"Hopefully, I can prove to myself and to everyone that," I can have these kinds of numbers and perform under this kind of pressure because it comes with the territory. I'm just itching to put this shirt on and get back to playing."
Liverpool's preseason training begins on Monday. Elliott will wear the number 19 for the first time in a friendly against Manchester United on July 12 in Thailand.
Is Liverpool the team to beat in the coming season?
The Reds had a disappointing season in 2021-22, but they have a squad that is capable of competing on all fronts again.
It may take some time to adjust to life without Mane, who was one of their best players over the last six years and was instrumental in their success under manager Jurgen Klopp.
However, the Merseyside outfit have already signed Darwin Nunez as Mane's replacement. More signings could be on the cards as Reds seek more silverware next season.
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