Is Joao Pedro ready to break Chelsea's so-called number nine curse?
Joao Pedro took just 31 seconds to score his opening goal of the season - will the new number nine reach the 20 he scored last season while wearing the number 20 shirt?
The wire material details the performance of Joao Pedro, a Brazilian forward, at Chelsea Football Club, specifically his handling of the number nine shirt and the perceived curse associated with it. Joao Pedro scored a goal against Fulham in Chelsea's 3-2 victory at Craven Cottage, marking the start of his first game under manager Xabi Alonso.
The player had recently received the coveted number nine shirt and a new contract running until 2034. Despite the curse belief among Chelsea supporters, Joao Pedro dismissed the notion, stating he does not believe numbers dictate his performance. Over his career, Joao Pedro has scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, matching his shirt number and becoming the first Chelsea striker since Diego Costa to achieve this feat.
His rise to prominence is traced back to his early life in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, where he was raised by his mother and grandmother after his father spent eight years in prison. Joao Pedro's journey to Chelsea was fraught with challenges, including homesickness and being told he wasn't strong enough. However, his mother's relentless support, including hiring a personal trainer, helped him develop physically.
His talent was eventually recognized by Watford, where he joined in December 2019, overcoming language barriers and physical growth to become a top-flight star.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport Football's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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