It has been over a year since Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United on a free transfer. However, his impact on the club’s youngsters remains intact to date and they look up to him before they embark on their journey with the club. Red Devils rising star Facundo Pellistri is no different. The player was delighted that he had something in common with the Portuguese veteran, which made his debut and something around his squad number very special.
The Uruguayan international has already become a crucial part of the national team. However, he will have to perform more consistently and find the back of the net to become a starter for the club under Erik ten Hag.
Facundo Pellistri is proud of his #28 jersey as it replicates Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey!
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Manchester United’s Facundo Pellistri had a debut to remember as he got an assist in the 3-0 win against Charlton in January 2023. Since that day, he has appeared for the Red Devils with the #28 shirt. In a conversation with the club, he revealed that the Cristiano Ronaldo link made him choose the number. He further added, “Well because, when I came here to Manchester, I was playing in Penarol and I had the no.10. So the two plus the eight, they sum up to 10. So that’s why I take it. And, later, I realized that number was the one Ronaldo also made his debut in and all that. So, for me, that number is very special”. Yes, a young CR7 wore 28 too, while he broke into Sporting Lisbon.
This season Facundo Pellistri has made appearances from the bench. However, he is yet to get a consistent start over Antony. This is despite the absence of Jadon Sancho because of his issues with ten Hag. However, his constant presence in matchday squads indicates that the Dutch manager considers the Uruguayan winger part of the long-term plans. It is not only Facundo Pellistri who is a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo. His partner on the flank, Alejandro Garnacho also considers Ronaldo as his idol despite being an Argentine.
Alejandro Garnacho cannot stop pulling off CR7 celebrations
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It is no secret now that the idol of Alejandro Garnacho is the Portuguese soccer legend. In the game against Everton, he scored an acrobatic bicycle kick and then celebrated the goal with a ‘Siiuu’. He has also celebrated his UEFA Champions League goal against Galatasaray with one of CR7’s celebrations. Many of the pundits have slammed the Argentinian for copying those iconic celebrations.
Read More:- Cristiano Ronaldo’s Dream Reunion at Al Nassr Crushed by Erik ten Hag
However, at the moment, it does not look like the trolls will stop him. That’s because even while Cristiano Ronaldo was playing, he scored his first goal in the Europa League, which turned out to be the winner against Real Sociedad. He celebrated the goal with a nap celebration of the 38-year-old.
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There is no doubt that Cristiano Ronaldo continues to have an impact on the current and upcoming generation. He has become the role model for many mainstream soccer players too. That’s the reason, he is popularly known as a soccer icon.
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