'It's just a number' – Delap unfazed by Chelsea number nine superstition

Liam Delap has dismissed claims that the number nine shirt at Chelsea is "cursed", adding that he is relishing the competition for a starting place at Stamford Bridge. 

Delap was one of the most in-demand strikers heading into this summer's transfer window after his fine season for Ipswich Town upon their return to the Premier League. 

The 22-year-old scored 12 goals in 37 Premier League games for Ipswich, but was unable to stop the Tractor Boys from suffering an immediate return to the Championship. 

Delap attracted interest from Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, while former club Manchester City also held a buy-back option for the player. 

But it was Chelsea that secured his services, with the Blues paying Delap's reported £30m release clause ahead of their Club World Cup campaign. 

He made his debut for his new club in their 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC at the Club World Cup, grabbing an assist for Enzo Fernandez's goal in the 79th minute. 

Delap donned the iconic number nine shirt which has seen many high-profile players struggle with in recent years, including Romelu Lukaku, Alvaro Morata and Fernando Torres.

Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel claimed in August 2022 that the players discussed the possibility of the shirt being cursed. 

But Delap does not believe in such superstitions, saying: "No, I'm not that type of person. It's something that people speculate about but it doesn't mean anything to me. 

"It's something that's related to strikers so I chose it. At the end of the day it's a number on the back of your shirt.

"To me, it doesn't really mean a lot, it's just a number. Number 9 has always been related to strikers so it's something that I like but there's no pressure."

Delap was speaking ahead of Chelsea's final group game at the Club World Cup, where they face Es Tunis, knowing a win is a must if they are to progress to the next round. 

The striker was on hand to reveal why he chose to join Enzo Maresca's team, with the pull of Champions League football also playing a role in his arrival at the club. 

"You never know if it is going to be the right decision, but you've just got to go with your gut and hope it works out," he said.

"You've got to take your time. I took a few days to speak to people and decide my future."

One of those people he consulted was Chelsea's star attacker Cole Palmer, who he first played during his time at Man City at the age of 15.

"I asked him what I needed to ask him, he told me what I needed to know," Delap added. 

"But I don't like too much information. Ultimately, it was my decision, so I kind of just wanted my head to be clear."

Upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Maresca believed that Delap would become "England's number nine", having starred in the Three Lions' youth set-up. 

Delap's transfer saw him forced to make a decision to either represent his country at the Under-21s European Championships or take part in the Club World Cup with Chelsea. 

"I had my sights set on the Euros all season, and I was looking forward to that," Delap revealed. "But I signed here, and they wanted me to be here. I want to be here as well.

"I need to get to know everyone, so that's why I'm here.

"I'm with the boys all the time, it helps me settle in really fast, and we can prepare and work on things that we want to use in the season to come."