Romelu Lukaku has confirmed he will be Chelsea's new number nine, in his first press conference since rejoining the Blues.
The £97.5million signing had initially been expected to don the number 18, Olivier Giroud's former number, after the Premier League suggesting as much on Chelsea's squad list.
Lukaku has history with the number having wore it during his first stint at Stamford Bridge.
However, with the departure of Tammy Abraham nine became available, the 28-year-old was willing to take the burden of both the prestige and curse of the shirt.
The number nine shirt at Chelsea has not always brought good luck, with many players from Radamel Falcao to Khalid Boulahrouz and Chris Sutton to Mateja Kezman struggling while wearing the digit.
Nevertheless, Lukaku, after seeking confirmation he was allowed to make the announcement, admitted he was happy to take on the shirt.
He said: "I got the number nine, yes, I’m very happy and very fortunate to be in this situation."
Supporters are likely to see the forward wearing the number for the first time this weekend against Arsenal.
The Belgian international also confirmed that he was fit and ready to make his second debut for the club.
He said: "I've been training, I did the full pre-season. Right now I just try to get to know my teammates better and at the end of the day I'm available for the manager if he wants to play me."
