Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino will take the number 9 shirt for the Reds next season. He has worn number 11 since signing for the club from Hoffenheim two years ago, but Firmino has requested the 9 shirt for the 2017-18 season.
New signing Mohamed Salah will have number 11 in his place. Firmino will wear the 9 made famous by the likes of Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler and Fernando Torres.
The Brazilian has promised to personally sign the shirt of anyone who has already had his name and the number 11 printed on the back of the new jersey. A statement on Liverpool’s official website read,
“’As a gesture to those fans who have already purchased the official 2017-18 jersey with Firmino’s name and number 11 on the back, Roberto would like to offer supporters the opportunity to have them personally signed by him.
“All official 2017-18 season shirts with ‘Firmino 11’ printed on them should be sent to Anfield by August 18, 2017 with a stamped self-addressed envelope big enough to contain your jersey. It will then be signed by Firmino and returned using the self-addressed envelope.
“Please note that you are required to send proof of purchase with your shirt (e.g. a receipt of purchase which will be returned to you with your shirt). Only shirts purchased before 9pm BST on June 22, 2017 will be signed and any and all postal duty to send to us and return your shirt to you must be paid in full.”
