Chelsea players often refer to the club’s historical issues with strikers inside the corridors of Cobham.
That is according to The Times.
So, what do Chelsea players specifically say about the club’s problematic history with strikers? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, those inside Chelsea believe the No.9 shirt at Stamford Bridge is cursed.
The Times state that Chelsea players hold the belief that whoever wears that particular number is destined to fail in west London, and they have every right to feel that way.
In recent years, the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alvaro Morata and Gonzalo Higuain have all struggled at Chelsea while wearing the doomed No.9 jersey.
Fernando Torres also failed to find the back of the net on a regular basis after taking Chelsea’s No.9 shirt, following his £50m move from Liverpool in January 2011.
With Lukaku expected to depart – Juventus look the most likely to sign the Belgian – Chelsea’s No.9 shirt is set to become vacant once again, although whoever takes on the challenge will be under even more pressure to succeed given the number’s unlucky history.
Who could take No.9 at Chelsea
Once Lukaku departs, there are a number of players who could take his No.9 shirt if they wanted to.
One of those who could inherit the No.9 shirt is Christopher Nkunku – the France international is yet to be officially handed a squad number following his £52m move from RB Leipzig.
Nicolas Jackson is also yet to be given an official number, but his playing style – specifically his superb hold up play – has made him look like a typical No.9 in his first few appearances for Chelsea.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Chelsea’s official squad number announcement, as it will be interesting to see if anyone volunteers to have the cursed No.9 shirt.