Kit tribute to NBA legend: HSV ace wants to lead like Jordan | OneFootball

With the start of the training camp in Helsingør, Denmark, HSV have begun preparations for the new Bundesliga season. In addition, a few decisions have been made regarding squad numbers.

One change in particular is currently drawing a lot of attention: Jordan Torunarigha will wear the number 23 in the future. He had had his eye on the number for some time, after it was worn last season first by Jonas Meffert and later by Albert Grønbaek. It is now available because Grønbaek is taking the number 11, which had previously been worn by Ransford Königsdörffer.

Torunarigha’s decision is a very deliberate tribute to Michael Jordan. The former NBA superstar also wore the number 23 during his playing days. “He is one of my idols. My father was a huge fan of him. It is an honor for me to be able to carry this name on my back,” the HSV professional explained to the club’s media. The connection goes even further: the defender’s first name, Jordan, is no coincidence, as he was named after the basketball legend.

The new squad number is also meant to serve as motivation for Torunarigha. “It makes me feel even more confident. I want to embody the same mentality as Michael Jordan — to give everything and lead the way,” the 28-year-old emphasized.

Photo: Getty Images

Torunarigha is becoming increasingly important at HSV

Fittingly, the Nigerian will no longer have his surname “Torunarigha” on the back of his shirt, but “Jordan” instead. HSV immediately picked up on the story and posted a video on their social media channels showing the defender playing basketball. His jersey features the famous combination “Jordan 23.”

But Torunarigha’s central role at HSV is not just a marketing matter. Following the departure of Luka Vuskovic and with the search for a replacement still ongoing, the experienced player is currently one of the most important leaders in Merlin Polzin’s squad. He is determined to live up to that role in the coming months. Very much in the style of Michael Jordan.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.