James Maddison ‘didn’t want’ to inherit Harry Kane’s Tottenham number 10 shirt, but has explained why he has it now.
Maddison was given the number 71 shirt for his first pre-season start, but he would never settle in that position. He was eventually awarded 10 points following Kane’s move to Germany, with the 26-year-old reluctantly accepting his fate as Spurs look to maximize profits. Maddison said of his iconic shirt:
“To be honest, I don’t want the number 10 shirt to become free, because it means something. So I definitely didn’t expect the number 10 shirt. We all have pre-season jersey numbers – me, Solomon Manor, new signings, Destiny Udogie. Then when the time came – because there were ins and outs – it changed. Clubs must sell jerseys.
Despite not actively pursuing the number 10 shirt at Spurs, Maddison is happy to have that number back on his back – because that number means so much to him and he has it tattooed on his arm.
He added:
“I didn’t want Harry to leave, but when he left and the number 10 shirt became free and the club asked me to buy it then of course I wanted to wear it. That’s my favorite number. I got it tattooed on me, growing up I loved that number so I would never say no.
Maddison has made an immediate impact at Tottenham, scoring two goals and as many assists in four Premier League matches, taking home 10 points, while also being a member of the England squad preparing to face against Ukraine in a Euro 2024 qualifying match and neighbors Scotland in a friendly match. Meet at Hampden Park.
