Giovanni Reyna: Jadon Sancho set an example for me
After replacing Jadon Sancho as Borussia Dortmund's Number 7, Giovanni Reyna has discussed the influence the now Manchester United player has had on his career.
Giovanni Reyna has revealed Jadon Sancho said he wanted him to take the No.7 shirt before leaving Borussia Dortmund for Manchester United.
"He already talked to me about it from time to time last season. He said that if he were to leave the club, I should wear his number," said the 18-year-old U.S. international in an interview with Kicker.
Reyna then went on discuss the impact Sancho has had on his rise at Dortmund. Asked if 21-year-old Sancho has been a role model for him, Reyna replied:
"Yes, and I can't thank him enough for what he has done for me since we met. When I first came here, I was all alone. He knew how that felt. He, too, came to Dortmund as a young guy without being able to speak the language. He told me from the first day that if I had a problem, I could contact him at any time.
"And he also helped me on the pitch by teaching me to believe in myself, to be confident and to radiate that, no matter how young I was. You can only be a good athlete if you believe in yourself. He set an example for me."
Reyna has featured a total of 65 times for Dortmund, racking up eight goals and nine assists.