Lorenzo Insigne rejects calls to wear Maradona's number 10 shirt

There’s been a lot of buzz around the Napoli fanbase of late because of talk that Lorenzo Insigne should wear the number 10 shirt once worn by Diego Maradona. That number has been long-retired in Naples, but there’s always been a thought that some day, a native son of the city who became a star could re-claim it.

Many fans think that it’s time for Lorenzo Insigne to be that native star, to step up and take that famous number and create his own legacy with it. That buzz has only grown louder since he wore the #10 for Italy in June, and looked damn good doing it.

Insigne, though, doesn’t think it’s time for the 10 to come out of retirement.

I always said that I hope one day it does get put back into rotation, because it is the dream of every striker to wear it and all youngsters must have that ambition too.

As for me, I’m happy to keep hold of 24, as it’s my wife’s birthday. It’s not true that I requested the 10 shirt and I think if it was to be assigned again, that decision would be down to Diego and not the club.

-Translated quote source: Football Italia

Insigne also made sure to make it clear that he’s not afraid of the Napoli 10 — which would honestly be understandable, considering the weight of expectation that would be associated with it. But considering the connection of the 24 to his wife and the opportunity to create his own legacy without being compared to anyone but himself, it’s very, very understandable to stay where he is.

So don’t expect Insigne to change his shirt any time soon. It’s fun to think about, but the #10 is staying retired — for now.