Olivier Giroud Backs Chelsea’s New No.9 Liam Delap to Break “Curse” and Shine at Stamford Bridge
Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud says Liam Delap has the talent and mentality to succeed with the Blues despite the pressure of wearing the club’s famous No.9 shirt.
Chelsea’s new striker Liam Delap has received a big vote of confidence from one of the club’s former stars — Olivier Giroud.
The 22-year-old forward, who joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town for £30 million in June, is preparing to lead the line for Enzo Maresca’s side at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Delap will wear the famous – and sometimes feared – No.9 shirt, a number many believe has been “cursed” at Stamford Bridge in recent years.
But Giroud, who proudly wore the No.9 during his time at Chelsea and later at AC Milan, says Delap should not be worried.
“When I signed for AC Milan, Paolo Maldini asked me on our first Zoom call, ‘Are you sure about the No.9? Because it’s kind of cursed,’” Giroud revealed.
“I told him it’s not the number on your back that scores goals — it’s about what you do on the pitch.”
Giroud certainly proved that point himself, scoring goals for Milan, Chelsea, and the French national team throughout his career. And now, he believes Delap has what it takes to shine in the same shirt.
“Being a striker is tough. You need character, confidence, and a strong mentality. Even during hard times, you have to keep working and believe in yourself,” Giroud said.
“If Liam has the right attitude, he’ll be successful. I think he’s very talented, and I’m sure the Chelsea boys will help him settle in well. I think he’ll be fine.”
Delap arrives at Chelsea after an impressive season with Ipswich Town, where he netted 12 goals — despite the team being relegated from the Premier League. Now, he faces a fresh challenge at the top end of the table, where he’ll compete with Nicolas Jackson for a starting role.
The pressure of being Chelsea’s No.9 has often weighed heavy on those who wore it before — from Fernando Torres to Gonzalo Higuain — but Giroud believes Delap’s focus, not the number, will be the key.
“It’s not the shirt that makes the player,” Giroud added. “It’s the work, the hunger, and the goals.”
Chelsea fans will hope the Frenchman is right, as they look for a reliable goalscorer to lead their line in the new season — and perhaps finally break the so-called No.9 curse once and for all.
