Real Madrid handed the iconic number seven shirt to new signing Mariano this week in what was a surprising turn of events after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Los Blancos settled on bringing back their former player to bolster their attacking options and although Mariano was slated to join Sevilla, the presence of a buyback clause has allowed the Spanish giants to swoop and bring him back to the Bernabeu.
It is being reported that the 25-year-old actually requested the number seven shirt, but it could have all so different if Marco Asensio accepted a certain proposal.
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Julio Maldonado, a contributor for COPE, states that number was first offered to Asensio, but he turned down the offer.
"Real Madrid offered Marco Asensio the number 7 and the player said no," said Maldonado. "The club signed Mariano and the striker did choose to carry the number that Cristiano wore."
The Spaniard will continue to wear the number 20 shirt this season, but why he decided to snub the iconic number 7 is still to be revealed, although suggestions that the pressure of wearing Cristiano's number could be a reason why.
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Mariano, on the other hand, was clearly eager to forge another legacy in the famous jersey.
Though the player isn't the most marketable name, he had a very impressive season last term - notching 21 goals and chipping in with seven assists in 45 appearances.
Do you think Mariano will live up to the number 7 shirt?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Marco Asensio, Real Madrid, La Liga
