As DAZN points out, for more than 10 years, Milan’s No. 9 shirt has been considered almost a “curse”. Since Filippo Inzaghi’s departure in 2012, as many as 13 players have worn it, with disappointing goalscoring records (apart from the unforgettable Olivier Giroud). The latest player to take on this legacy is Gonçalo Ramos, and the Portuguese has accepted the responsibility without fear.
“I don’t think about it, but they have told me about the No. 9 curse. But I don’t think about it too much because there was Olivier Giroud. He played here until not long ago, and for him it wasn’t cursed. So, for me, it’s not a problem. For me, it’s an honour to wear Milan’s No. 9 shirt. It’s a heavy shirt, but it also means trust. I really enjoy wearing this shirt and I hope to score many goals.”
Ramos’ first return is not convincing. In the five matches he has played between Serie A and the Europa League, he has scored just once, against Venezia. In the league, across his four starts, he has registered 14 attempts, while against Juventus he failed to get a shot away. In Europe, too, against Benfica, he had three attempts but failed to hit the target.
As reported via Milan Press, the problem concerns his understanding with the team: the former PSG striker often has to drop deep to receive the ball and is frequently played to with his back to goal, situations that limit his main qualities. How can he make the most of his strengths in the air and when making runs in behind in these circumstances?
