Dominik Szoboszlai Takes Up Liverpool’s No. 8 Shirt
Dominik Szoboszlai completed his £60 million move to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, becoming the Reds’ second signing of the summer. The 22-year-old has taken up the No. 8 shirt vacated by Naby Keita this summer, but, of course, most famously worn by Steven Gerrard. Szoboszlai has explained his decision to take Liverpool’s No. 8 shirt upon joining – partly inspired by his Steven Gerrard tattoo!
Szoboszlai’s Tattoo of Steven Gerrard
The latest signing has inherited the No. 8 shirt vacated by Naby Keita this summer, but, of course, most famously worn by Gerrard. Gerrard is a touchstone for the majority of players signed by Liverpool in recent years, with memories of his heroics as captain of the club – including at Istanbul – shining through. It is much the same for Szoboszlai, who even has a quote from the legendary midfielder on his arm, reading: “Talent is a divine blessing, but without incredible will and humility, it is worth nothing.”
Szoboszlai Explains His Decision to Take No. 8 Shirt
Speaking to LFCTV upon his transfer to Anfield, the 22-year-old explained his decision to take up the No. 8 shirt. “Not [for] a special reason, but of course it’s a great number,” he said. “A lot of great players had this number. And also I have a tattoo from Steven Gerrard, what he said – I don’t even remember when but before – so it was also a reason why.”
Previous Incumbents of No. 8 Shirt
Before Gerrard, the No. 8 shirt was worn by Emile Heskey, with other previous incumbents in the Premier League era being Oyvind Leonhardsen, Stan Collymore, Jamie Redknapp and Paul Stewart. It was undoubtedly the 43-year-old who made it iconic in the modern day, which has in turn inspired Szoboszlai.
Conclusion
Dominik Szoboszlai has explained his decision to take Liverpool’s No. 8 shirt upon joining – partly inspired by his Steven Gerrard tattoo! Szoboszlai has inherited the No. 8 shirt vacated by Naby Keita this summer, but most famously worn by Gerrard. Speaking to LFCTV upon his transfer to Anfield, the 22-year-old explained his decision to take up the No. 8 shirt and how he has a tattoo of a quote from Gerrard on his arm. Before Gerrard, the No. 8 shirt was worn by Emile Heskey and other previous incumbents in the Premier League era being Oyvind Leonhardsen, Stan Collymore, Jamie Redknapp and Paul Stewart. It was undoubtedly the 43-year-old who made it iconic in the modern day, which has in turn inspired Szoboszlai.