Mac Allister REFUSED to take number eight shirt out of respect for Gerrard

Alexis MacAllister has disclosed that he turned down the number eight shirt at Liverpool because of the number’s association with club legend Steven Gerrard.

The Argentine joined the Reds in a £35 million deal from Brighton in early June as Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild his midfield.

Mac Allister will wear the number 10 jersey for Liverpool, but he noted that he might have worn the number eight after Naby Keita left.

The midfielder stated that he briefly ‘hesitated’ taking Gerrard’s renowned uniform number, but ultimately concluded he would feel more at ease with the same numbers he wore at Brighton.

‘One day, I was talking to my dad when he asked me what number I would wear for Liverpool said Mac Allister.

‘I knew there were several numbers available – including 10 and 8,’ he told the Mirror.

‘The number eight shirt is a very important number in that club because of Gerrard, so I hesitated a bit.

‘I ended up choosing the 10, but eight is a number that I like a lot and has a history at the club,’ he added.

Mac Allister regards his decision as a measure of respect considering Gerrard’s tenure of greatness at the club, which saw him win two FA Cups, three League Cups, and one Champions League trophy, among other things.

However, Mac Allister’s favorite number comes with its own set of pressures, having previously been worn by Sadio Mane and Michael Owen.

Manchester United was also interested in the World Cup-winning midfielder, but he went on to explain why he believes joining Liverpool is the greatest next step for his development.

‘After the season ended, I had the chance to talk to Klopp and he told me about the club, the city and what he wanted. The main thing was that from the first moment, they communicated with my family and with me, they wanted me to be there.

‘When I was able to speak with the coach, it was made even clearer. It’s the small details that made me choose Liverpool. I feel that it is the right step in my career,’ he added.