Gotze inspired by Dortmund honour
Borussia Dortmund's Mario Gotze was thrilled after being conferred the number 10 jersey for the upcoming season.
By ESPNSTAR.com staff
Despite being bogged down by injuries for the most part of the previous Bundesliga campaign, Gotze's performances and potential was sufficient to convince Germany manager Joachim Low to pick him in their Euro 2012 squad. Unfortunately, his time at the tournament ended in disappointment, as Gotze only featured for a total of 11 minutes, and the German squad were eventually knocked out by Italy in the semi-finals.
Nonetheless, the attacking midfielder is keen to put the set-back behind him by focusing on Borussia Dortmund's title defence, and Gotze has been given the best possible start to do so, after being handed the number 10 shirt.
The coveted jersey has been vacant since Mohamed Zidan's departure to Mainz, and the German international is pleased with the honour.
"In my youth I've played only with it [the number 10 shirt]. And now being able to play with it in the Bundesliga, it's amazing," Gotze shared with Bild.
Several notable players have donned the Dortmund number 10 shirt, but Gotze insists he is not overawed by the expectation.
"Clearly this is a special number, but for me it does not carry any load. I see the 10 rather as an additional stimulus," he stated.