Former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has sent an encouraging message to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after he took the no.9 shirt at the club.
Aubameyang signed for the Blues on Deadline Day from Barcelona, having previously played in the Premier League for London rivals Arsenal.
He only joined the Catalan side at the start of the year, but has now made the permanent switch to Stamford Bridge.
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In previous years, Chelsea are said to have had a curse with the no.9 shirt.
Many players who have taken the number have struggled to score for the side, although Abraham did well for the first team when he donned the kit.
He now plays for Roma in Serie A, and under the management of legendary Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
Romelu Lukaku was the next player to take the no.9 after Abraham but he is now at Inter Milan on loan, with Aubameyang opting to take over the duty.
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Speaking to the Daily Mail, Abraham talked about the criticism he faced when at Chelsea, but also sent their new striker an encouraging message for the season.
“I had some moments at Chelsea where I was called a flop and told to 'Get out!',” said the 24-year-old.
“And if I scored, they were calling me King Drogba.
“It's impossible to emulate him fully but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is wearing the No9 now, I wish him all the best and hope he gets a run.”
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Abraham has impressed at Roma since his move last summer.
He has scored 29 goals in 60 games for the Italian side, and his efforts helped them to win the inaugural Conference League title last season.
The striker also shared his thoughts on the move: “If you'd told me a couple of years ago I'd be playing in Italy, I wouldn't have believed you. Leaving Chelsea was difficult, it's where I'd grown up from the age of seven.
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“I didn't know much about Italian football but it has helped me develop as a player and as a man. “I've come out of my comfort zone and don't have any regrets.
“I love the life and it's brought out another side to my game.
"At Chelsea, I was viewed purely as a goalscorer. Here, I've learned different aspects of the game. If our opponents have more of the ball, I know how to position myself defensively.
“You have to be more clinical finishing chances because they can be limited.”
Topics: Tammy Abraham, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Chelsea
Robert Calcutt