Olivier Giroud has slammed discussions about Chelsea’s cursed No. 9 jersey and promised full support to new Blues recruit Liam Delap. The 22-year-old striker signed from Ipswich Town on a six-year deal with the Blues after they activated his £30m release clause . However, he has been given a shirt that has become notorious for not being lucky.
The number nine jersey has remained vacant ever since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang departed. However, it was the record of former holders that created the myth of a “curse” at Stamford Bridge. Gonzalo Higuain, Romelu Lukaku, Fernando Torres, and Radamel Falcao all struggled to perform as the No. 9 in west London.
However, Giroud, who never had the opportunity to don the number while at Chelsea, feels that there is no reason to believe in such things. He said:
“When I signed for Milan, Paolo Maldini told me on the first Zoom I had with him, ‘Are you sure about No.9? It’s kind of cursed’.
Giroud continued:
“I said it’s not about the number I have on my back which will make me be good and score goals. No, I want the nine. And then I’ve showed him there was no curse, I was doing well.
“It’s not about the number nine, it’s about the position on the field and being a striker is very, very demanding. You can be under the spotlight when things go really well, but you are the first also on the front line when you are not scoring goals.”
The LAFC French striker took on Chelsea in their FIFA Club World Cup opening match, but lost 2-0 to the Blues. Delap was one of Enzo Maresca’s picks for the tournament, with the 22-year-old missing out on England U21 Euros.
Giroud Backs Chelsea New Signing Delap
Giroud also backed Liam Delap to succeed at the Bridge, saying:
“I think he’s very talented. The boys will help him to settle will, I think he will be fine.”