Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Paris Saint-Germain, France, FIFA
Jack Kenmare
Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola has explained why Alex Hunter – the main character from FIFA's popular 'The Journey' mode – is the inspiration behind his shirt number.
The 22-year-old was one of PSG's standout performers on Wednesday night as the Parisians recorded a 4-2 win over Manchester City in the Champions League.
Barcola notched a goal and an assist against Pep Guardiola's side, who are on the mathematical brink of being knocked out as they sit 25th coming into next week's crucial match against Club Brugge.
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It has been a memorable month for the France international, who has scored three goals and three assists in his last three games for Luis Enrique's side.
And during Wednesday's Champions League clash against City, many raised eyebrows over PSG's decision to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia given Barcola's performances of late.
Amid his superb form, Barcola has conducted an interview with French publication Club Legacyz, where he touched on number of subjects, including his appreciation for Japan, and the meaning behind his celebration.
The former Lyon man was also asked why he chose the number 29 as his shirt number, which sparked an unexpected conversation around fictional character Alex Hunter from FIFA's 'The Journey' series.
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"It’s actually a funny story," he began. "When I was younger, I used to play FIFA. In the story mode with Alex Hunter, this number became symbolic for me. I thought to myself: “The day I go pro, it’ll be number 29.”
"And here I am, I adopted it, and now I’ll never let it go."
As mentioned above, Barcola also opened up on his celebration. "Every player has their own way of celebrating, and for me, it’s by pointing my fingers to the sky," he said.
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“I thank god for everything he’s given me. It’s my way of paying homage to him every time I score.
"Then there was that match against Marseille at the Vélodrome. I had already planned to do the Matuidi Charo celebration. The night before, I was watching videos of his old matches, and I told myself: “If I score tomorrow, I’ll do this.”
"And when I scored, it was instinctive. Doing it in front of a packed Vélodrome… magical."