Why Joao Cancelo will have to lose his beloved shirt at Bayern Munich

Joao Cancelo is set for a loan move to Bayern Munich in a shock transfer, but the defender WON’T be able to take his beloved No 7 shirt with him, after requesting it at Manchester City to honour is mother who died in 2013

Joao Cancelo is set to make a shock move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, but it will come at a cost with the defender set to lose his beloved No 7 shirt. 

The Portuguese international has agreed a loan move with an option to buy for £61million, having fallen out of favour with Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, this season.

The 28-year-old has been left out of City’s starting eleven for the last two league games, but now appears to be heading to Germany. 

Bayern Munich have the option to buy Cancelo at the end of the season for £61million

Cancelo's (left) relationship with manager Guardiola (right) has broken apart this season

Cancelo’s (left) relationship with manager Guardiola (right) has broken apart this season 

Ahead of his move to Germany, it seems that the defender will no longer be able to wear his beloved No 7 shirt, with that belonging to Serge Gnabry. 

The defender revealed that he prefers the No 7 shirt as it reminds him of his mother who was killed in a car accident nine years ago.

Speaking on why he chose to switch his kit number, Cancelo said: ‘This is a special number for me. 

‘It’s my mother’s birthday and it’s also her favourite number,’ he said.

‘I decided to choose this number because I think it brings me luck and I hope it brings luck to the team too, so this year we can win many titles.

‘Seven was my mum’s favourite number and it was the day she was born: 7 February. 

‘I decided to pick that number because it is meaningful for me and for my mum. 

‘I hope I can represent her with this number as she is one of the most important people in my life.’

Cancelo previously wore the number 27 for City, but after Raheem Sterling’s move to Chelsea last summer, the defender opted to change his shirt number. 

Previously, the defender wore the number seven shirt during his spells at Inter Milan and Valencia.

Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry currently occupies the number seven shirt for Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry currently occupies the number seven shirt for Bayern Munich

Manchester City allowed Cancelo to leave for Bayern Munich after becoming disruptive to the squad.

Cancelo has held heated discussions with Guardiola due to a lack of game time with City.

The defender will be hoping to get more minutes under his belt after signing for Munich

The defender will be hoping to get more minutes under his belt after signing for Munich

Since the World Cup, the defender has started only three of the 10 fixtures. He was hooked at half time of a win over Chelsea and played in defeats by Southampton and Manchester United.

After being named as a substitute before the recent victory over Wolves, Cancelo was seen slumped on the bench while other members of City’s team warmed up ahead of kick off.

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