The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Judith Benjamin
Alexis Mac Allister has revealed he rejected the number eight shirt at Liverpool due to the history of the number associated to club legend Steven Gerrard.
The Argentinian joined the Reds in a £35million move from Brighton at the start of June as Jurgen Klopp attempts to overhaul his midfield.
Mac Allister will wear the number 10 jersey at Liverpool, but explained that he could have taken the eight shirt following Naby Keita’s departure.
The midfielder explained that he momentarily ‘hesitated’ at the possibility of taking the kit number made legendary by Gerrard, but eventually decided he would feel more comfortable with the same digits he donned at Brighton.
‘One day, I was talking to my dad when he asked me what number I would wear for Liverpool said Mac Allister.
Alexis Mac Allister revealed he rejected the chance to take the number eight shirt at Liverpool
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard previously wore the number eight shirt at Liverpool
‘I knew there were several numbers available – including 10 and 8,’ he told the Mirror.
‘The number eight shirt is a very important number in that club because of Gerrard, so I hesitated a bit.
‘I ended up choosing the 10, but eight is a number that I like a lot and has a history at the club,’ he added.
His decision is viewed as a mark of respect by Mac Allister given Gerrard’s period of excellence at the club that saw him win two FA Cups, three League Cups and one Champions League title amongst others.
Mac Allister eventually decided to settle on taking the club’s number 10 jersey
Mac Allister admitted he ‘hesitated’ over taking the shirt due to Gerrard’s legacy
However, Mac Allister’s favoured number comes with it’s own pressures after previously being worn by the likes of Sadio Mane and Michael Owen.
The World Cup winning midfielder was also pursued by Manchester United but went on to explain how he feels joining Liverpool was the best next step for his development.
‘After the season ended, I had the chance to talk to Klopp and he told me about the club, the city and what he wanted. The main thing was that from the first moment, they communicated with my family and with me, they wanted me to be there.
‘When I was able to speak with the coach, it was made even clearer. It’s the small details that made me choose Liverpool. I feel that it is the right step in my career,’ he added.
