Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin says he made a "statement of intent" when he took on the number nine shirt for the Blues.
And he feels he has now proved the doubters wrong after his stunning form led to an England call-up.
The striker switched to the iconic Toffees number in summer last year when Sandro left the club on loan.
And he has started this campaign in fine style - firing his team to the top of the table with six goals in four league games.
Ahead of England's friendly against Wales on Thursday night, Calvert-Lewin was asked whether it was a conscious decision to take on the weight of the number nine at Everton.
"Absolutely," he said. "For me it was a statement of intent.
"There have been some exceptional players that have worn the number nine shirt for Everton.
"For me to get that number, I knew what it meant. And I knew what was required.
"People were uncertain at the time whether it was the right decision.
"But I would like to think now I have proved them wrong. I wear the number nine with pride and I always give my all."
Dixie Dean, Tommy Lawton, Dave Hickson, Alex Young, Joe Royle, Bob Latchford and Graeme Sharp have all graced Goodison Park with the number nine.
Another name on the stellar list is Duncan Ferguson - who is currently assistant to Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Calvert-Lewin says 'Big Dunc' has been a huge influence on his career so far.
But he insists his mentor is very different to the perception some have of him from his playing days.
He said: "Firstly people have Duncan down for this big angry man.
"He's a nice guy when you actually get up close with him!
"In terms of on the pitch, he told me to back myself more - believe in my stature and strength.
"It's a confidence thing. Once you realise you can do it, you start to do it more consistently and then it becomes part of your game.
"When I was learning and playing when I first came on for Everton, I was still relatively young. You are under the lights of the Premier League.
"There is much more scrutiny than elsewhere and rightly so. It's the top league in the world.
"Now I'm grateful for that. It has definitely toughened me up and made me into the person I am."
Calvert-Lewin will be hoping for a taste of the action when England take on Wales, with Nations League clashes against Belgium and Denmark to follow.
And once the international break is over, Liverpool await in the Merseyside derby - along with a chance to further demonstrate why he fully deserves that celebrated number on his back.
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