Victor Boniface Explains Reason He Chose 'Special' Jersey Number at Werder Bremen, Video
- Nigerian international Victor Boniface secured a deadline-day move to Werder Bremen from Bayer Leverkusen
- Boniface was on the verge of signing for Italian giants AC Milan before the deal collapsed after he failed medicals
- The 24-year-old has explained the rationale behind choosing a new jersey number at his new club, Bremen
Super Eagles star Victor Boniface has shared the reason for settling for jersey number 44 at Werder Bremen.
The Nigerian international signed a season-long loan deal to join the club from Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen.
The 24-year-old signed the surprise deal a week after his botched move to Italian giants AC Milan, after he failed medical tests.
Source: Getty Images
Boniface had a verbal agreement with the Rossoneri, but an Italian newspaper uncovered the injury history of the Super Eagles forward, per Football Italia.
The 2023/24 UEFA Europa League runner-up suffered trolls on the internet from Nigerians who felt he spent more time on social media than on the pitch.
Read also
Boniface claps back at reporter over fitness question during Werder Bremen unveiling, video
However, on the deadline day of the summer transfer window, Bremen announced the signing of the forward, leaving many stunned.
Boniface joined Bayer Leverkusen from Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer of 2023 and instantly became a fan favourite, helping the club win their first Bundesliga title, Pokal and Super Cup, ESPN.
Why I chose number 44 - Boniface
Victor Boniface has explained the reason behind choosing jersey number 44 at his new club, Werder Bremen.
In a post on X, the Super Eagles star said his favourite jersey number 22 has been taken by centre-back Julian Malatini.
He said the choice of the jersey number 22 is a reminder of the day he lost his mother. He said:
"The number 22 is already taken by another player, so I just have to take 44. It doesn't mean anything, I just take 44.
"I started using 22 because it was the day I lost my mom; it's a special number for me (that's why I always use the number). When I signed for Werder Bremen and the number is already in use, I decided to double the number switch to 44."
Source: Getty Images
Fans react
Nigerians have thrown their weight behind Werder Bremen's new signing, Victor Boniface. Read them below:
@RolandNGabriel said:
"Those mocking Victor as a content creator should be ashamed. They are not good at content and they are not good at football but they think they have what it takes to insult another, a star for that matter."
@OlayinkaDemoney wrote:
"22 is a special number for Boniface and I didn't know all this while. Anyway, 22 can also mean 20 goals plus 2 assists this season."
@aproko_Xparte added:
"We are with you my country man."
@FAVVEERAPID said:
"Banger boy at Bremen. We're supporting you all the way."
@kimma146 wrote:
"I pray he succeed in Bremen, cause victor is a…………"
@Odogwu_TY added:
"Bless him! Those whose mothers are still alive don’t know what God has done for them."
Boniface continues comic acts hours after joining Bremen
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigerian international Victor Boniface has continued to jest on social media hours after he completed his move to a new club.
Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen have confirmed the arrival of the 24-year-old, who joins on a season-long loan deal.
Source: Legit.ng
