Seven Persija Players Change Numbers, Here's The Reason

Illustration - Persija player Alfriyanto Nico Saputro (left) celebrates after scoring a goal against Persik Kediri (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Seven Persija players changed their jersey numbers during the Indonesian League 1 2022-2023 season for various reasons.

They are Muhammad Rezaldi Hehanussa (28 to 7), Braif Fatari (19 to 80), Taufik Hidayat (98 to 89), Alfriyanto Nico (18 to 21), Cahya Supriadi (99 to 88), Raka Cahyana (17 to 15). ) and Resa Nugraha (82 to 18).

Rezaldi Hehanussa admitted that he deliberately chose number 7 because he was born on November 7, 1995.

He asked permission from Ramdani Lestaluhu, who was the previous Persija number 7 holder. Ramdani himself is now playing at Bali United.

"I asked Kak Ramdani for permission to use the number and he didn't mind it. I also used that number at the 2018 Asian Games," Rezaldi said as quoted by Antara, Tuesday.

Attacker Taufik Hidayat revealed the reason for choosing number 89, namely this number was the number he used when he debuted in the Persija senior team.

"So I went back to the initial jersey number," said Taufik.

Meanwhile, Alfriyanto Nico, who is still 19 years old, feels that he fits the number 21 jersey for two reasons.

"I was born April 3, 2003. 21, two plus one makes three. In addition, I was also inspired by Paulo Dybala (a player for Italian club AS Roma) and Ansu Fati (a Barcelona player) who wore the number 21 when they entered their heyday," Nico said.

Persija is temporarily ranked 14th in the Indonesian League 1 standings after losing 0-1 against host Bali United in their inaugural match.

Persija will host Persis in the second week of Sunday, July 31 at 15.30 WIB.