Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister has shown a touch of class by gifting his iconic Reds No. 10 shirt – though not to the much-rumored Florian Wirtz.
Wirtz, the German international, looks to be on the cusp of a record-breaking transfer to Liverpool this summer, with all signs pointing towards a deal being finalized shortly. The 22-year-old seemed to confirm the move himself after starring for Germany against Portugal on Wednesday.
Both Mac Allister and Wirtz sport the No.10 for their current clubs, fueling speculation that Wirtz might be eyeing the same squad number at Anfield if he seals the move.
German media went as far as to suggest that clinching the No.10 shirt was among Wirtz's conditions for joining the Merseyside outfit, but Wirtz himself has quashed such rumors.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, an exasperated Wirtz addressed the gossip, hinting at a potential transfer while also refuting the shirt number claims.
"Who says I want the 10, I respect players," Wirtz posted, alongside a clown emoji, urging fans not to believe everything they read.
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In a heartwarming follow-up, professional Argentine Padel player Alex Chozas shared his appreciation for Mac Allister after receiving a signed Liverpool shirt from him. On Instagram, he expressed: "Thank you [Mac Allister] for this unforgettable afternoon. You now have a Padel to play with, I hope you like it!
"Thanks for your Liverpool shirt, you're a star on and off the pitch, my friend. Get well soon, CHAMPION."
Flaunting their shirts for the camera, Mac Allister and Chozas captured a moment of camaraderie on social media. The Liverpool midfielder was quick to offer support, writing: "Great, crazy! Keep up the good work."
Following his substantial contribution to Liverpool's Premier League victory, Mac Allister is now enjoying some well-deserved downtime basking in the summer warmth.
He's presently on a break from the Argentina squad while he recovers from an injury that ruled him out of starting in any of Liverpool's final four games post-title win, with him missing the last two fixtures entirely.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Mirror by clicking here.