Chelsea news: Morata reveals the one thing team-mates begged him not to do after signing

The Spaniard completed a summer move from Real Madrid in a deal that could rise to £70million.

Morata was immediately handed the No.9 jersey and tasked with leading the line for the Blues following Diego Costa’s exit.

But the shirt hasn’t always favoured those wearing the famous number in front of goal.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink netted 70 goals in 136 Premier League appearances during his four-year stint but no No.9 shirt wearer has found the net that regularly since his time in west London.

Mateja Kezman, Khalid Boulahrouz, Steve Sidwell, Franco Di Santo and Fernando Torres all struggled to shine at Stamford Bridge, while Radamel Falcao netted just one goal in 10 league appearances during an injury-hit 2015/16 on loan from Monaco.

But Morata finally looks to have broken the curse after netting seven goals in all competitions for Antonio Conte’s side, including a hat-trick against Stoke in September.

However, the 25-year-old has revealed he may not have ended up with the No.9 shirt had he listened to his team-mates when he first arrived in England.

“That was one of the first things I was told after turning up here," Morata told FourFourTwo.

"Even the lads were begging me not to take that shirt because it was cursed, but I wanted it.

“I’ve done a couple of little things to avoid the bad luck that the shirt supposedly brings. 

“Can I tell you what I’ve done? No chance. If I did that, the curse will come back!”

Morata will be hoping luck his on his side when Chelsea host Manchester United on Sunday (4.30pm).