01 August 2023 , 12:49
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Edinson Cavani has taken on the legendary No 10 shirt at Boca Juniors after moving to the Argentine outfit.
The forward has been playing his club football in Europe since 2006 but has now decided to return to the continent he calls home. The Uruguayan was at a struggling Valencia outfit last term but has now moved to the Bombanera on a free transfer, signing a deal until December 2024.
Cavani has scored goals throughout his career, winning numerous honours, and has decided to wear the number previously donned by Diego Maradona. One of the game's greatest is synonymous with the shirt that has also been worn by Carlos Tevez and Juan Roman Riquelme - two modern-day legends in Argentina.
Boca said: "Happy to have you home" on social media as they announced the 36-year-old's arrival in Buenos Aires. Cavani has excelled with the likes of Napili, PSG and Manchester United and will now look to continue his prolific career in the Argentine capital.
Cavani's confidence means he's been happy to take on big shirt numbers during his career. In Manchester, after arriving from Paris, he opted to take on the No 7 which had weighed heavy on the likes of Memphis Depay and Alexis Sanchez, who failed to match expectations.
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Edinson Cavani gave up his No 7 for Cristiano RonaldoIn the Uruguayan's first year he scored 17 times, including numerous match-winners. His football IQ continued to defy his age despite some doubting whether Cavani would be able to cut it in the Premier League. Ahead of his second season however Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford.
The Portuguese star had shone in Manchester before leaving for Real Madrid, winning the Ballon d'Or in 2008. Ronaldo wore No 7 throughout his time and was keen to take on the same number once more, only it was taken by Cavani. He was willing to give it up, taking on 21 instead, which left its mark on Ronaldo. “I was not sure if it would be possible to have the number seven shirt again,” he said. “So I would like to say a huge thank you to Edi for this incredible gesture.”
Cavani left Manchester at the end of that season with opportunities very much limited under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Previously in his career, the Uruguayan had become PSG's all-time leading goalscorer, a title that has since been taken from him, with his single-season best coming in Paris when he scored 49 goals.
The 36-year-old has smashed the 30-goal barrier on six occasions throughout his prolific career, which sees him still playing international football. At Boca, he will play alongside the likes of Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo, whom he was team-mates with in Manchester.