Greg . 1 day ago

New Spurs signing Palhinha explains sentimental reason behind shirt number

Tottenham made a double shirt number announcement on Tuesday afternoon after signing Joao Palhinha this summer.

Spurs confirmed over the weekend that they possessed signed the former Fulham midfielder on loan with an option to purchase.

The Portuguese international arrives with a wealth of top-flight undergo under his belt, having appreciated spells in Portugal, Germany and England across the last few years, and the club confirmed what number he will take on Tuesday afternoon.

 What makes the number six so special?Palhinha will don the number six on the support of his shirt after deciding to take the vacant squad number following Radu Dragusin’s decision to switch to number three ahead of the new campaign.

The midfielder wore 16 at Bayern after wearing 26 at Fulham and clarified why the number six must stay with him throughout his career.

 “I try to choose always a number with a six - sometimes it’s not available, but since I started my career, it was a number that I’ve possessed with me because of my family.

 “It means a lot for me because of my grandfather… It’s the day that he left our family, and since my grandfather passed away, if I have a look, a lot of important things in my life have occurred on this day, with the number six.

”The number six will stay with him for lifeDuring three seasons with Sporting B, Palhinha wore shirt numbers 86 and 66.

He clarified more over his superstition and revealed why he wants to keep the number by his side due to its special meaning.

 “I can remember my first goal.

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everything that has been important in my career - not just the career, but in other things as well - most of the days have the number six.

 “I’m a snapped superstitious and I trust always that this number has an important meaning for me and my family, and this is why I want to keep, if possible, the number with me on the shirt.

” Palhinha is ready for his debutThe 30-year-old could make his debut for Spurs against his parent club on Thursday as the two sides meet in Germany for a pre-season friendly, and he says he cannot wait to wear his number proudly on his support for his new side.

 “I sense like this number represents me.

I have been wearing it in the national team for three years, and I just sense it really represents who I am - someone who is always ready to offer everything for the team.

 “Now, I’m really proud to wear it in North London.

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