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13th Jun 2017

Jesse Lingard reveals the inspiration behind his choice of shirt number

No, it's not Jordi Cruyff

Simon Lloyd

Have you ever found yourself lying in bed at night wondering why Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard wears the number 14 shirt for his club?

Of course you bloody well have. Why the hell else would you be wasting your time reading this?

Fortunately for you, today is your lucky day.

An interview in which Lingard is asked a series of questions about football kits, boots and shin pads appears on United’s official website. In it, he reveals that his decision to wear the 14 shirt was inspired by  former Premier League legend, Thierry Henry, who he explains was one of his heroes as a youngster.

“I just think it’s a great number to have,” Lingard explained.  Obviously, Thierry Henry had it and he’s a great figure in football.”

“He was a great goalscorer when I was younger. I used to look up to him and watch most of his goals so I think ‘14’ is a good number.”

Lingard is currently on international duty with England after playing his part in United’s Europa League final victory over Ajax at the end of last month. After failing to make an appearance against Scotland at Hampden Park at the weekend, he will hope to feature for the Three Lions as they face France in Paris on Tuesday evening.