It's official, Portuguese defender João Cancelo will join Bayern Munich on loan from Manchester City with an option to buy in the summer . He has worn the number 7 shirt for the English club so far, but he won't be wearing it at Bayern for the rest of the season, here's why.
João Cancelo wore the number 7 shirt at Manchester City in honour of his mother, who tragically died in a car accident nine years ago.
"Seven was my mother's favorite number and it was the day she was born: February 7th. I decided to choose that number because it is meaningful to me and my mother. I hope I can represent her with this number, as she is one of the most important people in my life."
There are several reasons why Cancelo will not be able to wear the number 7 shirt, we tell you the different reasons.
1: All numbers with 7 (including number 7) are occupied and jersey number changes are not allowed during the season.
First of all, all numbers between 1 and 40 that include a 7 have already been assigned. Bundesliga rules do not allow players to change or exchange their numbers during the season. The only exception is when a player leaves the club, in which case the free number can be assigned to another player who wishes to do so.
Unfortunately, the club's new goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, has just been assigned the number 27 shirt, the only number containing 7 that was left free.
2: The Bundesliga does not allow numbers above 40
Bundesliga regulations dictate that players must be assigned numbers between 1 and 40. In the event that the club's squad consists of more than 40 players, the numbers must be assigned consecutively. However, Bayern's squad has fewer than 40 players, so number 47 is not an option.
What number could João Cancelo wear?
Currently, FC Bayern Munich numbers 3, 9, 12, 16, 22, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 36 are available.
FC Bayern have signed João Cancelo on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season ✍️ #MiaSanMia #ServusJoão
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) January 31, 2023
What number do you think João Cancelo will wear? Let us know in the comments.