The No 11 shirt number is not often associated with defensive midfielder’s so Lucas Torreira’s choice was bound to raise a few eyebrows.
Torreira has revealed that the reason he picked the No 11 shirt is that his first option, the No 34 had already been taken by Granit Xhaka so he picked the No 11 as he will get to sit next to Mesut Ozil in the changing room.
The number also happens to be the same as his birthday which was another factor behind his decision.
Torreira explained the motives behind picking the No 11 shirt in an interview on the 100% Deporte show on Sport 890, a sports radio station in Uruguay.
Torreira: “I wanted to pick #34 but It was already taken by Xhaka. I chose #11 because it’s the day of my birthday & I will get the chance to sit next to Mesut Özil in the dressing room.” More on @Sport890 [live now]
— Arsènic™ (@MrArsenicTM) August 3, 2018
The Uruguayan international revealed it is an honor to be placed next to Ozil in the dressing room.
Torreira added: “When I got to the dressing room I saw that my place was beside Mesut Ozil. It’s incredible, a player who has won the World Cup and has had a great career.”
Arsenal take on Lazio tomorrow, Torreira could be given playing time in the last friendly before the start of the season.
The defensive midfielder only returned to training on Monday after enjoying an extended holiday following the World Cup.
Ozil is match fit and is likely to feature against the Italians.