The No.9 shirt has been associated with several failed strikers at Chelsea, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Romelu Lukaku, Gonzalo Higuain, Fernando Torres, and Radamel Falcao.

Giroud, who has not worn the No.9 shirt during his time at Chelsea, was asked about his thoughts on the number. He recalled a conversation with Paolo Maldini, his former coach at AC Milan, where Maldini jokingly called the No.9 shirt "cursed."

However, Giroud disagreed, saying that the number itself is not the reason for the struggles. Instead, he believes that the pressure of being a striker and the constant scrutiny that comes with it can be overwhelming.

Giroud explained that being a striker requires a lot of character and mental strength. The player needs to be confident, even in tough moments, and be willing to work hard to overcome challenges.

Despite the pressures, Giroud believes that being a striker is the best position in football. He praised Liam Delap, saying that he has real quality and that the team will help him settle in.

Delap has been included in the squad for the Club World Cup, which starts this weekend.