“I have them dirty” - Ex-Real Madrid star Joselu shares why he hasn’t washed Cristiano Ronaldo’s jersey he received from Portugal captain himself
Former Real Madrid star Joselu has claimed he still has Cristiano Ronaldo's jersey unwashed from his debut for the club. Joselu made his debut for the club back in May 2011 against UD Almeria as a 21-year-old when the Portuguese was already an established star.
With Jose Mourinho managing the side, Los Blancos emerged 8-1 winners from the LaLiga game. Notably, Joselu got on the scoresheet in the match, with Ronaldo assisting him. The now-Al Nassr himself scored a double, along with Karim Benzema, while Emmanuel Adebayor netted a hat-trick.
The Spain international recently recalled his debut, telling Madrid TV (via MadridXtra):
"Cristiano Ronaldo gave me his jersey on my Real Madrid debut, I haven't washed it since then. It doesn't smell bad. The most special jerseys, I have them dirty."
This was not the first time Joselu spoke about Ronaldo's jersey. He had said in 2023 (via Madrid Universal):
"I made my debut in the first division with the team of my life, and it's a dream. On top of that, I scored a goal. I'm always asked who gave me the pass and of course, I have to say that Cristiano Ronaldo gave it to me, one of the best players in the history of Real Madrid and the world. They are moments that are impossible to erase from my memory."
Joselu on Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo and new signing Kylian Mbappe
Joselu opened up Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy at Real Madrid earlier this year in October, calling him the club's GOAT. He also talked about the potential impact Kylian Mbappe could have at the club. He said (via Madrid Universal):
"Cristiano has been the 'GOAT' of Real Madrid, the top scorer in the history of the club. Mbappe's goal will be to make similar numbers but Cristiano is the best striker who has passed through Real Madrid."
When quizzed about Mbappe, the former Blancos star said:
"Mbappé? For me he's one of the best footballers in the world, he's played 2 finals, won 2 titles and scored in both games. I think Mbappe has such footballing skills that he'll end up being a Real Madrid legend."
The Spanish striker also spoke about his exit from the club and said:
“It was one of the hardest moments of my career. You have reached an age and you have to think about your family and take in what you have experienced. It has been the most painful decision of my life.”
Joselu played 51 matches for Los Blancos across two spells, scoring 19 goals and assisting thrice.