Ex-Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud makes feelings clear when asked about Liam Delap choosing 'cursed' no.9 shirt at Stamford Bridge
Former Chelsea star Olivier Giroud has spoken on the infamous cursed no. 9 shirt at the club after Liam Delap chose to accept the number. The Frenchman is set to face his former side in the FIFA Club World Cup on Monday after his Los Angeles FC (LAFC) reached the competition.
Giroud spoke at a press conference, where he responded to a question from journalist Ben Jacobs on the pressure Liam Delap may face as Chelsea's no. 9. The experienced striker praised the England U-21 international for his talent and promised that he would be fine despite his choice.
"When I signed for Milan, Paolo Maldini told me, 'Are you sure about No.9? It's kind of cursed... I said, 'No, I want the nine!' I showed him there was no curse. [Delap] is very talented. He'll be fine."
Liam Delap is set to be the first Chelsea player to don the no. 9 shirt since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 2022-23 season. The Gabonese striker managed just three goals in 21 appearances for the Blues in that season, lending credibility to the presence of a curse.
Olivier Giroud enjoyed a fine spell at Chelsea between 2018 and 2021, winning the UEFA Europa League and Champions League titles. The former Arsenal man joined AC Milan before ending up in the MLS for his swansong with LAFC.
Liam Delap will compete with Nicolas Jackson for a starting berth at Stamford Bridge at the Club World Cup, having joined from Ipswich Town for £30 million. Starting this summer, the 22-year-old striker will hope to leave enough of an impression on the Blues faithful that he can end the curse attached to their no. 9 shirt.
Chelsea-linked striker responds to transfer rumours after brilliant performance
Germany U-21 star Nick Woltemade has spoken about talks linking him with clubs after Chelsea's interest in him was made public. The lanky striker scored a hat trick for his country in their U-21 Euros opener, leading sides around Europe to sit up and watch him closely.
Speaking after his heroics against Slovenia U-21 (via GOAL), the Stuttgart man pointed out that the interest was expected after his treble. He made his stance clear on his future, revealing that he does not have thoughts towards a transfer at this time.
"I think that's part of it. It wouldn't be optimal scouting if a club didn't have that on their radar right now. I'm not thinking about my future right now."
Still only 22 years old and a full Germany international, Woltemade enjoyed a fine season with Stuttgart, helping them win the DFB Pokal. The striker is also on the radars of Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, and has a deal with Stuttgart until 2028.