​Birmingham retire Bellingham number after Borussia Dortmund move | OneFootball

Birmingham City have retired the number 22 shirt worn by Jude Bellingham.

The teenager only had the shirt for a year, and has now joined Borussia Dortmund in a big money move.

The 17-year-old became the most expensive player in his age bracket as a result of that deal.

But Birmingham want to retire the shirt number not to commemorate Bellingham, but to inspire other academy players.

In a club statement, Birmingham said: "In such a remarkably short space of time Jude has become an iconic figure at (the) Blues, showing what can be achieved through talent, hard work and dedication.

"His caring, humble and engaging off-the-field demeanour has also made him such an impressive role model.

"The 22 shirt has become synonymous with Jude, his rise to the first team aged just 16 years and 38 days and these qualities.

"And as such the club have decided it would be fitting to retire this number, to remember one of our own and to inspire others."