Is Joao Pedro ready to break Chelsea's so-called number nine curse?

Joao Pedro, the Chelsea striker, earned the coveted number nine shirt during his time at the club. He scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, setting a new club record and signing a new contract running until 2034. The number nine shirt has been associated with a so-called curse, with few high-profile forwards succeeding in the role.

Joao Pedro, however, has dismissed this notion, stating he does not believe in the curse. His journey to becoming a top-flight star has not been easy, as he faced many challenges growing up. His father spent eight years in prison, and his mother, Flavia Junqueira, had to leave her job and focus on her son's football potential. Joao Pedro moved to England at a young age and struggled with homesickness and a lack of physical fitness, but his mother hired a personal trainer to help him improve.

Despite the obstacles, Joao Pedro became one of Fluminense's academy stars and was eventually signed by Chelsea for £55 million.