{"id":42509,"date":"2016-04-13T23:22:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-14T03:22:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nesoccertoday.com\/?p=42509"},"modified":"2016-04-13T23:25:56","modified_gmt":"2016-04-14T03:25:56","slug":"nguyen-reveals-why-he-wears-24-on-mambaday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/nesoccertoday.com\/?p=42509","title":{"rendered":"Nguyen Reveals Why He Wears #24 on #MambaDay"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo credit: Chris Aduama\/aduamaphotography.com
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Revolution midfielder Lee Nguyen might be one of the best playmakers in MLS, but he’s never won the traditional no. 10 during his time in New England. And on Wednesday, he revealed why.<\/p>\n

While much of the sports world turned its attention to the final game of Los Angeles Lakers guard\/forward Kobe Bryant’s playing career, Nguyen posted on Instagram that he adopted the no. 24 as a tribute to the basketball star.<\/p>\n

“People always ask me why I wear #24,” Nguyen posted. “Well, because of this man. A true #legend who I’ve admired since he stepped onto the court and who’s game, passion, and will to win will be missed. As the great one would say \u201cThese young guys are playing checkers. I’m out there playing chess.\u201d – @kobebryant Happy #MambaDay”<\/p>\n

While he may not wear a numeral often associated with the beautiful game, Bryant, 37, has often professed his love for soccer. He regularly speaks about his support for Spanish giant Barcelona and was even featured in a commercial for FIFA 16<\/em>. <\/p>\n

Interestingly, Bryant wore no. 8 during the first decade of his NBA career. <\/p>\n

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People always ask me why I wear #24 .. Well, because of this man. A true #legend who I've admired since he stepped onto the court and who's game, passion, and will to win will be missed. As the great one would say \u201cThese young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess.\u201d – @kobebryant Happy #MambaDay<\/a><\/p>\n

A photo posted by Lee Nguyen (@leenguyen24) on