Darwin Nunez opens up on the responsibility that comes from wearing the iconic No.9 jersey at Liverpool
Liverpool star Darwin Nunez says he appreciates the responsibility that comes with wearing the club’s storied No.9 shirt, as quoted from the Premier League’s World Beaters show (h/t Liverpool.com).
The Uruguay international, 25, claimed the No.9 jersey at the beginning of the 2023/24 season following the departure of Roberto Firmino to Saudi side Al-Ahli. Before that, he wore the No.27 jersey in his first season as a Red following his move from SL Benfica in the summer of 2022.
Darwin Nunez insists he is aware of the Liverpool greats who have worn the iconic number and is doing his best to bring joy to the fans and the club.
“Today I get to be the No.9 at Liverpool and follow in the footsteps of the greats who have played here,” Nunez told on the Premier League’s World Beaters show (h/t Liverpool.com).
“I’m doing the best I can to bring joy to the club and fans.”
However, the 25-year-old’s idol growing up and biggest motivation was his compatriot Luis Suarez, who wore the No.7 jersey with pride for three-and-a-half years at Anfield. Nunez touched on his relationship with Suarez, revealing that he is in constant contact with the 37-year-old ahead of the 2024/25 season.
“I always say my idol is Luis Suarez,” he added. “I liked watching [Edinson] Cavani play as well. They both played for big teams. They are top players, legends – but Luis Suarez is my role model.”
Nunez and Suarez are now teammates in the Uruguay national team and the duo are working hard to win the 2024 Copa America. Uruguay got off to a perfect start at the Copa America earlier this week, with Nunez scoring in the 3-1 win over Panama.
Seeking a record 16th Copa América title, Marcelo Bielsa’s side dominated Panama from the onset with Nunez producing a strong performance in Miami on Sunday. He scored the second goal for Uruguay against Panama, volleying in from 12 yards out for his 12th goal in 24 appearances for his country—nine in his last six games. The talented striker also found the back of the net in his nation’s second game against Bolivia.
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Since arriving at Anfield in 2022, Nunez hasn’t managed to hit the heights that made him such a coveted commodity at Benfica. Whether it was because of his struggles in adapting to the demands of the Premier League or his inconsistency in putting the ball in the back of the net, the 25-year-old has certainly not enjoyed smooth sailing in the red half of Merseyside.
Last season for the Reds, however, the Uruguayan striker managed to bring some consistency to his game and scored 18 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions. After fulfilling his international commitments at Copa America, Nunez will return to Liverpool and look to take his game to the next level under new manager Arne Slot.
