Anthony Martial Happy With Receiving The #11 Shirt
Anthony Martial is indeed, happy with his squad number being changed to #11.
Anthony Martial joined Manchester United from Monaco on the deadline day of the 2015 summer window. The Red Devils paid £36 million to secure his services, thereby making him the most expensive teenager in world football.
Upon joining the Old Trafford club, the France international was given the #9 jersey, which is typically worn by the team’s main striker. And Martial did precisely what a main striker does, by scoring 17 goals for United in all competitions, and becoming the club’s top scorer for the 2015-16 season.
However, last week, Manchester United released a list of their new provisional squad numbers, wherein Martial’s shirt number was changed from #9 to #11. The #9 shirt was given to – or, in his own words, “chosen” – by the new star signing, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
As per numerous reports, the number swap took place without the permission of Anthony Martial, thereby upsetting the 20-year-old. The striker reacted by unfollowing the official Manchester United social media accounts on Twitter and Instagram, whilst also changing his official Facebook page’s timeline cover, which now displays the number 9 on the back of his shirt.
The reason behind such drastic reaction is believed to be the fact that the youngster recently launched his new brand and business, which goes by the name of ‘AM9’ ‒ his initials, followed by what is now his former squad number. And the fact remains that the club disrespected their star man by making changes without informing him well in advance.
But now, it looks like all the issues between the player and the club have been resolved, and the Frenchman has begun following the club’s official Twitter handle again, much to the relief of the United fans.
In fact, a Manchester United fan revealed on twitter that his friend recently ran into Martial in Santorini, Greece – the place where the forward is enjoying his vacations.
During the encounter, Martial apparently revealed that he was happy with receiving the legendary #11 shirt – which was previously worn by Ryan Giggs for more than two decades. He also urged the fans to ignore the rumours spread by the media.
My friend met Martial in Santorini, Greece. He said that he’s happy about #11 and not to listen to the media! #MUFCpic.twitter.com/iY7SkJwMHr
— . (@JoseMourinhoLad) July 24, 2016
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I see no trouble for him accepting the #11 shirt but that wasn’t good to decide giving his #9 shirt out, the best thing I like with Martial is that he understands and let go. Thanks