Liam Delap responds to Chelsea number 9 curse rumors

Liam Delap — Chelsea’s new £30 million signing from Ipswich Town — dismisses claims about the number 9 curse at his club ahead of the Club World Cup match against Esperance de Tunis.

The legendary shirt number was previously worn by several prominent strikers who experienced difficult periods — Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Romelu Lukaku, Gonzalo Higuain, Álvaro Morata, and Fernando Torres.

“I’m not that type of person who believes in superstitions. It’s just people’s speculation and means nothing to me. Number 9 has always been associated with strikers, so I chose it. At the end of the day, it’s just a number on the jersey,” said Delap.

The 22-year-old player will start against Esperance after Nicolas Jackson received a red card during the match against Flamengo.

“At a club like Chelsea, there’s always competition and players develop from that. You work harder to compete. This is Chelsea — competition will be tough and intense, but that’s what we enjoy,” he added.

Delap acknowledges his aggressive playing style — recording 13 yellow cards last season — but affirms he can control his emotions when needed in the Premier League with VAR.