Antoine Griezmann Will Not Take The No.7 Shirt At Barcelona

Antoine Griezmann will not be wearing the No.7 shirt at Barcelona after finally joining the club in a £107 million move on a five-year deal.

Since the 2010/11 season, Griezmann has worn the iconic number at club level for both Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid as well as lifting the World Cup sporting it for the French national team.

Image: PA

It was thought that he would take Philippe Coutinho's number upon his arrival at the Nou Camp but during his Barca unveiling today, the Blaugrana confirmed he will wear the No.17 - essentially the closest thing to it.

For now one would assume that Coutinho is staying put at Barcelona for the upcoming season, despite rumours of Barca wanting to offload him.

Griezmann has suffered the same fate as Eden Hazard, who will not be receiving #7 following his dream move to Real Madrid.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, current holder Mariano Diaz has no plans of leaving the club this summer or vacating the shirt number for Hazard.

But the Belgium international has 'decided' that he will be wearing the No 23 shirt instead. #23 is iconic in Basketball having famously been born by NBA legends Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Image: PA

It does also carry significance at Real as past wearers include David Beckham, Wesley Sneijder, Mesut Ozil and Isco.

Topics: Football News, Eden Hazard, Griezmann, FC Barcelona, Football, Atletico Madrid, Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann, La Liga

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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