BREAKING NEWS: Liam Delap has chosen his shirt number. The No. 9 shirt — known as the “cursed number” at Chelsea — has caused a stir with the young English striker’s bold decision. Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud hinted about this issue, surprising Delap and everyone else.

In a move that’s already shaking up Stamford Bridge, Liam Delap has officially taken on Chelsea’s infamous No. 9 shirt. The 22-year-old forward, fresh from a £30 million move from Ipswich Town, is daring to challenge what many call the “curse” of the Blues’ iconic — yet problematic — jersey.

The No. 9 at Chelsea isn’t just a number; it’s a symbol of hope, hype, and heartbreak. It’s been worn by top-tier strikers like Fernando Torres, Álvaro Morata, Gonzalo Higuain, and most recently Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — all of whom struggled to meet expectations under its weight. Since Aubameyang’s departure in 2023, the shirt has remained untouched, almost out of superstition. Until now.

Delap’s decision to take it on is a statement — one that signals ambition, confidence, and perhaps even a little defiance. According to insiders at the club, Delap dismissed the superstition outright. “He said he doesn’t believe in curses,” one club official stated. “He wants to make his own legacy.”

The bold choice has prompted reactions far and wide, but none more surprising than Olivier Giroud’s. Now at LAFC and preparing to face Chelsea in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, Giroud reflected on Delap’s bravery during a press conference. “I remember Paolo Maldini warning me about the ‘cursed’ No. 9 at AC Milan,” Giroud said. “But I didn’t care — I wanted to wear it and prove people wrong. Liam’s got the same fire.”

Giroud’s words carry weight. Though his Chelsea spell wasn’t prolific in terms of numbers, his clutch goals and European success endeared him to fans. “Delap is talented. He just needs to block out the noise and play his game,” Giroud continued.

Delap arrives with significant expectations. Despite Ipswich Town’s relegation last season, the striker netted 12 goals in 37 appearances — an impressive tally for a player in a struggling team. His physicality, relentless pressing, and eye for goal have caught the attention of Premier League pundits. Alan Shearer described Delap as “aggressive, determined, and raw — the kind of player who can thrive if nurtured right.”

Chelsea, for their part, are placing a large bet. The Blues’ frontline has lacked consistency, with Nicolas Jackson showing promise but lacking composure, and Christopher Nkunku battling injuries. Delap’s signing signals a fresh chapter, and possibly a new No. 9 redemption arc.

Social media lit up following the announcement. Hashtags like #Delap9 and #CurseBreaker trended on X (formerly Twitter), with fans divided between cautious optimism and superstitious dread. “I love the confidence, but that number scares me,” one user posted. “We’ve seen this before. Hope he’s the one.”

The pressure couldn’t be more intense, as Delap is set to debut in Chelsea’s upcoming Club World Cup match — possibly facing Giroud and LAFC. It’s a poetic twist that could see the “past No. 9” face the “new No. 9” on the global stage.

Sources inside Cobham Training Centre reveal Delap has been among the first to arrive and last to leave training. “He’s serious about this,” said a staff member. “Wearing that shirt number wasn’t for show. He’s hungry.”

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who’s looking to usher in a new tactical era at the club, is believed to fully back Delap’s decision. While the Italian tactician is known for his intricate attacking systems, he sees Delap’s profile as a key piece in the rebuild puzzle. “He’s young, but he plays with maturity. This is not just about goals — it’s about attitude,” Maresca reportedly told the squad.

With the 2025/26 Premier League season around the corner, Chelsea fans are eager to see how Delap fits into Maresca’s vision. Will he be the battering ram leading the line? Or will he rotate with Jackson and Nkunku until one emerges as the main man?

Analysts are already debating whether Chelsea should have handed the jersey to someone more experienced. But former striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who wore the No. 9 shirt during his prolific spell at Chelsea, has a different take. “The number doesn’t score goals — the player does,” he told a podcast this week. “If Delap believes in himself, that’s all that matters.”

Some believe the timing of the shirt reveal — just before a major tournament — is a marketing move. It certainly brings attention. Chelsea’s kit sales spiked within hours of the news, with the Delap No. 9 jersey quickly climbing the club’s top-seller charts.

Whether it’s marketing genius, blind optimism, or destiny in the making, Liam Delap now carries the burden — or blessing — of the Chelsea No. 9 shirt. It’s a move that could make or break him.

For Delap, it’s more than just a shirt number. It’s a challenge, a responsibility, and an opportunity to etch his name into Stamford Bridge folklore. As the Club World Cup looms and the new season approaches, all eyes will be watching to see if he can lift the curse — or succumb to it.

One thing’s for sure: Delap’s Chelsea journey will be anything but boring. Whether he sinks or soars, he’s already made history by stepping into the shadows of giants and daring to shine.