Manchester United have had trouble filling the number seven shirt over the years since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club in 2009.
Just ask Mason Mount how heavy Manchester United’s number seven shirt currently feels. The midfielder is struggling even when he is fully fit.
For years the shirt has been a weight on the back of who wore it, leading many to quip that United did not replace Cristiano Ronaldo until he re-signed with the club in 2021.
But that would not be strictly true. Edinson Cavani wore Manchester United’s number seven shirt with distinction before he reluctantly handed the number over to Ronaldo in 2021.
Edinson Cavani shining at Boca Juniors
Even during his spell at Manchester United, there were persistent rumours linking Edinson Cavani with a move to Boca Juniors.
Cavani did not head there immediately after his release. He signed with Spanish side Valencia, keen to stay in European football ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
In 2023, Cavani signed with Boca Juniors, realising a career long dream, and after an inconsistent start, he has rounded into prolific form in 2024.
Across the season so far, Cavani has struck 17 goals in 28 matches, rolling back the clock to demonstrate that he is still lethal in front of goal, even at the age of 37.
He is one of a number of former United players thriving outside of European football, and he has no immediate plans to stop.
Cavani has just signed new contract extension with Boca Juniors, extending his deal at the club through until 2026.
The iconic striker was pictured posing at a presentation to announce his new extension, writing on Instagram: “It is an honor for me to continue defending this shirt, the only thing I can assure is that until the last day I will try and I will try again as many times as necessary.”
Edinson Cavani retirement plan
Boca Juniors made a big deal of Edinson Cavani’s new contract, with the Uruguayan speaking at a press conference.
And the forward has declared Boca Juniors will be his final club. He is quoted via Infobae: “I’m going to retire at Boca. I always said that I wanted to come back close to my home when I was fit to play.”
He has also declared he is determined to win a title, and admits he is pained he has been unable to do so with Boca Juniors to date.
Cavani added: “It was one of the great objectives I set myself since I arrived at the club. It hurts me not to have been able to achieve it yet.”
On an international level, Cavani has already retired from playing for Uruguay, a decision which appears to be benefitting him for his club.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/vfxSENI