Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has openly questioned Joao Pedro's decision to change his shirt number to the iconic nine at Chelsea.
The Scotsman opted to criticise the player's choice:
I genuinely don't understand why Joao Pedro took the number nine. What was the point of leaving the twenty? Palmer played under that and was showcasing top-level performances. Joao wore it and was performing excellently. What was the issue?
The twenty suited him down to the ground. He was scoring, creating chances, and looking confident. Then suddenly, he decides to opt for the nine.
To me, it's a mistake. That number has been cursed at Chelsea for many years. You can't just take a shirt because it's free. You need to be ready for the pressure that comes with it.
He should have left it for Liam Delap, Jackson, or anyone else willing to take the risk. Joao was doing just fine with the number twenty. Now he's chosen the nine, and I wouldn't be surprised if he faces significant struggles this season.
Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe he'll score 30 goals and make a fool out of me. But as it stands, Joao Pedro has taken the most hazardous shirt at Stamford Bridge.
