New Fiorentina signing Luka Jovic has, on Thursday, confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo acted as the inspiration behind his squad number decision at The Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Hitman Jovic's move to Italy, of course, was made official late last week.

Fresh off another frankly abysmal campaign at the Bernabeu, which saw him afforded just one La Liga start, giving rise to a solitary goal across all competitions, the widespread assumption was that the Serbian international would be farmed out on another loan stint away from the Spanish capital.

It therefore came as a major surprise when word was forthcoming that, in fact, Jovic had brought a definitive close to his Real stint.

As part of a complex agreement which will see Los Blancos secure 50% of any future sale, the 24-year-old put pen to paper on terms with Serie A outfit Fiorentina, through the summer of 2024:

Jovic's first major decision on the back of his arrival, meanwhile, came in the form of his choice of shirt number.

The once so highly-regarded attacker ultimately opted for La Viola's no.7, recently donned by another altogether high-profile name, in the form of Franck Ribery.

And now, as alluded to above, Jovic has provided an insight into the reasoning behind his decision to don the famous 7 in Tuscany.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, the Serb pointed towards one of the greatest players in the history of his former club - Cristiano Ronaldo - as his inspiration:


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