Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey opponents were so keen to ensure they could swap shirts at full-time that they reportedly submitted a list of requests in advance.
Fourth tier outfit Arandina lost 3-1 at home in the round of 32 clash after upsetting LaLiga side Cadiz at the previous stage.
While players usually requests shirts in-person at the final whistle, Arandina did not wait around for such a precious encounter against one of the world’s best teams.
However, the honour of being the most in-demand star rested with another midfield maestro, who was the subject of a whopping nine requests.
Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey opponents, Arandina, defied convention by requesting specific shirt swaps before the game
Three players signed up to take Jude Bellingham’s shirt, proving his burgeoning popularity
That prestige fell on the shoulders of Luke Modric, the 38-year-old former Ballon d’Or winner who has claimed five Champions League titles and three LaLiga crowns with Madrid.
Two players asked for the shirts of Toni Kroos and Rodrygo, while one each requested Vinicius Jr, Thibaut Courtois, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Nacho Fernandez.
‘In the locker room I proposed the idea of trying to get as many shirts as possible because at the end of the day everyone is going to want the same shirt,’ captain Jorge Gonzalez said.
‘And I think the beauty of this match is having a memory. If Madrid can provide us with more t-shirts, welcome.’
It is unclear if Madrid agreed to the request.
As it turned out, neither Modric or Bellingham got off the bench for the encounter.
Goals from Joselu, Brahim Diaz, and Joselu were enough to see Carlo Ancelotti’s side coast through – even if Nacho scored a stoppage-time own goal to give Arandina something to cheer about.
Luka Modric was the subject of a whopping nine requests, though he and Bellingham remained on the bench
Bellingham gave his club-branded blanket to a ball boy who was struggling with the cold
He has been revealed as the most valuable player in the world but was not needed as Madrid won 3-1
Bellingham was involved in a heartwarming moment when he gave his blanket to a ball boy who was struggling with the cold.
The child said it was his ‘happiest day’ after the kind gesture and Bellingham had also taken pictures with a cluster of bally boys before the game.
It shows his grounded nature despite being revealed as the most valuable player i the world by the CIES Football Observatory.
The stats eggheads calculated that if a club were to try and sign the 20-year-old – who Madrid picked up in a £113million summer deal – he would now be worth £230m.
