Dani Alves explains PSG shirt swap to No. 13

Dani Alves has switched his shirt number at Paris Saint-Germain, with the Brazilian opting to take on 13 for the 2018-19 campaign.

The 35-year-old full-back took jersey 32 upon arriving at Parc des Princes in the summer of 2017.

He helped PSG to a domestic quadruple during his debut campaign, only to then suffer an untimely injury.

A knee problem picked up in the French Cup final saw Alves miss out on a place in Brazil’s squad for the 2018 World Cup .

He is still working his way back from that ailment, but is readying himself for a return to action.

That means choosing which shirt he will wear, and he has opted to move away from No. 32.

Instead, Alves will be paying homage to legendary countryman Mario Zagallo.

A man who tasted World Cup glory with Brazil as a player and manager wore 13 during his playing days, with that selection having inspired a modern day star.

 

Para mim como vocês bem sabem as histórias mais importantes são escritas pelos seus donos, as páginas não são o mais importante e sim o que estarão escritas nelas. Sempre gosto de mudar números e homenagear pessoas que de alguma forma me inspiram, pessoas que tem significado na minha vida.... dessa vez vai para nosso ídolo e inesquecível Velho lobo Zagallo... sempre acreditei que qualquer homenagem ela deve ser feita em vida. Uma pessoa que fez o que fez pelo nosso futebol, uma pessoal que sabe o difícil que é ser exitosos naquilo que fazemos e uma pessoal que torce para outras pessoas sempre merece o meu respeito e minha admiração. Ahhh, só uma coisa, ninguém vai ter me engolir não rs, pode que se tentem engasguem😂. #ilovethisgametoo😜 #GoodCrazy13 #reenventarseépreciso #newchallenge #morefastmorefurioussoon🤪

A post shared by DanialvesD2 My Twitter (@danialves) on Aug 28, 2018 at 4:04am PDT

Alves posted on Instagram: “I have always liked to change numbers and honour the people who, in a way, have inspired me and made sense to my life.

“This time, this is for our idol – the unforgettable Zagallo.

“I have always believed that any homage should be made in life. He is a person who has done a lot for our football, somebody who knows how difficult it is to succeed in what we do and somebody who encourages others.

“He will always be deserving of my respect and admiration.”

Alves made 41 appearances for PSG last season, with the decision taken to head for France after snubbing a reunion with former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City .