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LONDON (AP) \u2014 Brazil striker Joao Pedro has signed a new contract with Chelsea until 2034 \u2014 and also taken on the Premier League team\u2019s No. 9 jersey which many attackers have struggled in.<\/p>\n
Pedro\u2019s previous deal, signed when he joined from Brighton a year ago, was set to run until 2032 with the option of a further year.<\/p>\n
The extension, on improved terms, was announced Saturday and comes in recognition of the impact he made in finishing his debut season at Chelsea with 20 goals.<\/p>\n
\u201cI always dreamed of playing for a big club, and it means a lot to me to give my long-term commitment to this club,\u201d Pedro said. \u201cChelsea has a long tradition of winning and it has big ambitions for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old Pedro was a surprise omission from the Brazil squad for this summer\u2019s World Cup.<\/p>\n
He is set to begin the season as newly hired manager Xabi Alonso\u2019s first-choice striker, with Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson having been made available for transfer. Danny Welbeck, who signed in July from Brighton, is in contention to feature when Chelsea kicks off its Premier League campaign away to Fulham on Monday.<\/p>\n
Pedro has taken the No. 9 jersey relinquished by Delap.<\/p>\n
Thirteen players have struggled to make a prolonged impact in the shirt since it was worn to great effect by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.<\/p>\n
They include three club-record signings up front \u2014 including Fernando Torres \u2014 and Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz.<\/p>\n
It has sometimes been called the \u201ccurse of Khalid Boulahrouz.\u201d<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
See AP\u2019s full soccer coverage here<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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