Why Barcelona star gave up his preferred squad number to teammate this summer | OneFootball

Barcelona youngster Marc Bernal was not afforded his first-choice jersey number heading into the new season.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who have provided an insight into precisely why.

Midfielder Bernal was for his part registered as a first-team player by Barcelona for the first time last month.

This came after the 18-year-old spent the early months of last season, prior to his ACL injury, still registered with the club’s reserve outfit.

Upon being informed of his permanent place on Hansi Flick’s setup, Bernal is understood to have identified the free no.18 shirt as his first-choice.

In the end, however, as much went to teammate Gerard Martín.

And as alluded to above, on Friday, an explanation for precisely why has been provided.

As per a report from MD:

‘Gerard Martín ended up taking it because it was the number worn by Jordi Alba, his idol, during his time at Barça.’

Bernal, as a result, has been handed the 22 jersey for the season ahead.

Conor Laird – GSFN