A headline member of the midfield ranks at La Liga giants Real Madrid has confirmed that he will inherit the jersey number left behind by teammate Toni Kroos in the club’s squad.
Kroos, of course, is fresh off taking to the pitch for the final time in Real Madrid’s colours late on Saturday.
After announcing his decision to hang up his boots after the upcoming European Championships, the 34-year-old was afforded a starting berth, en route to Los Blancos sealing glory in the Champions League once more.
Kroos even managed to cap his final appearance with a trademark assist, to lay on Dani Carvajal’s opener en route to a 2-0 downing of Borussia Dortmund.
As much, as part of the bigger picture, means that the number 8 jersey in Real Madrid’s squad is now available for claiming.
Speaking to the media on the back of the full-time whistle at Wembley, the player most widely tipped to inherit Kroos’ shirt, in turn, was asked for the latest on the situation.
And in his response, Federico Valverde went on to confirm that he, indeed, will from next season don the no.8 in Carlo Ancelotti’s ranks:
“I love number 15, my dream at Real Madrid started with this number… but yes, I will change it in two months. Let’s say that chapter finished quite well!”
Conor Laird | GSFN
