Southampton has assigned the iconic jersey number 7 to Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo ahead of the new Premier League season.
Aribo moved to England this summer, leaving Rangers for Southampton in a €7.1 million deal. The Nigerian midfielder was a key player for the Gers last season, appearing in 57 games.
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl has spoken highly of Aribo, and it appears that he will include him in his starting lineup next season.
The Super Eagles star has taken over the iconic number 7 jersey at Southampton, replacing Shane Long, who recently left the club for Reading.
Aribo replaces Southampton striker Long, who appeared in 243 games for the Saints, tallying 37 goals and 27 assists.
The number 7 jersey has been worn by some of the Premier League’s most lethal strikers.
Southampton’s shirt was worn by Belgian striker Matthew Le Tissier, who scored 101 Premier League goals. Also, Kevin Phillips, who scored 93 Premier League goals for the club between 2003 and 2005, wore the number.
Rickie Lambert, a former Liverpool player, wore the jersey during his five-year tenure at the club.
Aribo has a big job ahead of him, but he can draw inspiration from his last two seasons with the Rangers.
Sporting Sun
