Speaking on the Official Leeds United Podcast, Crysencio Summerville has been discussing taking the number 10 shirt at Leeds and the conversations around that decision.
The 21-year-old raised a few eyebrows this summer when he was handed the iconic shirt number after the departure of Raphinha, and he says that he asked the Brazilian for his blessing before taking over his shirt.
Summerville has now shared details of how that conversation went, and he says that the winger was very supportive of Summerville taking on this new challenge.
Raphinha’s message
Summerville shared how his conversation with Raphinha went.
“It was my choice you know. I came back from pre-season and I spoke with my agent and he said Leeds wanted to renew my contract which was a nice moment, so I said ‘yeah, let’s do it.’ So I asked Raphinha for his number 10 and said ‘can I do the same what you did for Leeds?’ and he just told me ‘yes bro, do it, you’ve got it.’ I spoke with the captain as well, Liam Cooper and I spoke with Kalvin Phillips., It wasn’t just my decision, I just spoke with a couple of people and it happened. I thought I would take the challenge and go for it,” Summerville said.
Smash it
Summerville will have felt a huge confidence boost when receiving this sort of message from Raphinha.
The Brazilian was one of Leeds’ best players for two seasons before departing, and the fact that he was happy for Summerville to take his shirt is a huge sign of faith.
Of course, whether or not the Dutchman can live up to the huge expectations that come with wearing the number 10 remains to be seen, but he’s gotten off to an almost perfect start with the winning goal against Liverpool last weekend.
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