Barcelona striker refuses to wear legendary number 10 jersey following Pique’s offer

According to reports by Albert Roge of SPORT, Barcelona’s new signing Sergio Aguero was told to take the number 10 jersey by second captain Gerard Pique.

However, the Argentine forward has rejected the possibility of taking over the legendary number, leaving it vacant for other takers.

The number 10 jersey is one with a rich history at Barcelona. Diego Maradona, Pep Guardiola, Hristo Stoichkov, Romario, Rivaldo, Riquelme, Ronaldinho are just some of the legends to embrace the special number.

The last three players on the list have taken up the prestigious number in the 21st century before Lionel Messi took over in 2008. Since taking the kit number from his idol Ronaldinho, the Argentine forward took its prestige to a whole new level.

The brand of Barcelona’s number 10 jersey has become synonymous with Leo, and more importantly with greatness.

Given all the pressure that comes with the shirt and its dazzling history, it is understandable why Aguero backed away from it.

Ironically, the former Manchester City player came to Barcelona only to play with the then-bearer of the number 10. The tables have now turned, and the new signing has been offered to take up that very kit.

With Aguero turning down the chance to wear the #10, it still lies vacant. La Liga’s rules place a restriction on usable kit numbers, which would render it impossible for Barcelona to consider returning the number.

As things stand, there is no taker for Messi’s former number. However, Phillipe Coutinho has reportedly been offered the same, and he could well step out as Barcelona’s new number 10 in the coming days.