Pedro signs new deal at Chelsea, takes on club’s ‘cursed’ No. 9

LONDON (AP):

Brazil striker João Pedro has signed a new contract with Chelsea until 2034 and also taken on the Premier League club’s number-nine jersey, a shirt in which many attackers have struggled.

Pedro’s previous deal, signed when he joined from Brighton a year ago, was due to run until 2032, with the option of a further year.

The extension, on improved terms, was announced yesterday and comes in recognition of the impact he made in his debut season at Chelsea, which he finished with 20 goals.

“I always dreamed of playing for a big club, and it means a lot to me to give my long-term commitment to this club,” Pedro said. “Chelsea has a long tradition of winning and it has big ambitions for the future.”

The 24-year-old was a surprise omission from Brazil’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.

Pedro is set to begin the season as newly hired manager Xabi Alonso’s first-choice striker, with Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson having been made available for transfer. Danny Welbeck, who signed from Brighton in July, is also in contention to feature when Chelsea open their Premier League campaign away to Fulham tomorrow.

Pedro has taken the number-nine jersey relinquished by Delap.

Thirteen players have struggled to make a sustained impact in the shirt since it was worn to great effect by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

They include three club-record signings up front, including Fernando Torres, and Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz.

The shirt has sometimes been referred to as the “curse of Khalid Boulahrouz.”