Kamaldeen Sulemana Shares How Ronaldinho Influenced His Decision on Atalanta Jersey Number
- Ghana winger Kamaldeen Sulemana has shared that Brazilian legend Ronaldinho played a key role in shaping his jersey number decision
- The 23-year-old admires the former Ballon d'Or winner, often drawing inspiration from his style of play
- Kamaldeen sealed a move to Atalanta earlier in July, with the transfer potentially reaching £18 million
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Kamaldeen Sulemana has lifted the lid on why he opted for jersey number 7 at Atalanta, revealing a deep-rooted admiration for one of football’s greatest entertainers, Ronaldinho Gaucho.
The Ghanaian speedster joined the Italian outfit earlier this month, sealing a four-year contract with the 2024 Europa League champions after leaving English club Southampton.
Source: Getty Images
Speaking during his official unveiling on Thursday, July 31, Kamaldeen made it clear that when Atalanta came knocking, there was no second-guessing.
He jumped at the opportunity to be part of a side that has been turning heads in European football.
“I didn’t hesitate,” his body language seemed to suggest as he addressed the media with calm confidence.
How Ronaldinho influenced Kamaldeen's jersey choice
Though the 23-year-old would have preferred to wear the iconic number 10 jersey, a number famously associated with his childhood hero, he had to settle for an alternative.
The reason? Lazar Samardzic had already claimed it.
“No.10 is my favourite, like Ronaldinho, my idol, but since [Lazar] Samardzic already took it, I went with 7, Ronaldinho wore it with Brazil, which made the choice easy,” Kamaldeen shared.
It was a nod not only to Ronaldinho’s legacy but also to the joy and freedom the Brazilian brought to the game, something the Ghanaian winger hopes to emulate in Italy.
With his shirt number confirmed, Kamaldeen now turns his attention to action on the pitch.
His first preseason assignment comes on Saturday, August 2, when Atalanta face German side RB Leipzig.
A week later, he’ll have another test against FC Köln before wrapping up preseason preparations with a clash against Juventus on August 16.
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Atalanta chief reveals reason for Kamaldeen purchase
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi spoke glowingly about the club’s latest acquisition during the presentation, underlining the qualities that made the winger an ideal fit.
"He's of a young age, yet he has gained valuable experience across Europe. It was an added reason for our decision, along with the fact that he already worked with Coach Juric last season.
"He has qualities that suit our team well. He’s a sharp guy and has immediately shown great eagerness to learn Italian. He’ll fit in perfectly in our environment," Percassi noted, as quoted by Ghanasoccernet.
For Kamaldeen, this move to Bergamo feels like a timely reset, a chance to fulfil the potential he showed in his early years.
Sulemana honoured as Community Champion
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Kamaldeen Sulemana was honoured with the PFA Community Champion award at Southampton.
The 23-year-old earned recognition for his impactful humanitarian efforts during the 2024/25 season with the club.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
