Why does Christopher Nkunku celebrate with a balloon? The heartwarming story behind Chelsea star’s goal gesture

Chelsea will hope Christopher Nkunku will arrive with goals after their recent attacking signings have gone down like lead balloons.

The Blues have now officially confirmed the Frenchman’s arrival in a £53million deal from RB Leipzig.

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The 24-year-old bagged 47 goals in 119 Bundesliga appearances and finished last season as the joint-top scorer in the German top division.

Chelsea’s last forward that came from Leipzig, Timo Werner, failed to settle at Stamford Bridge.

And the club’s subsequent attempts to rectify their goal-shy issues have left Romelu Lukaku and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang blowing hot air.

But there’s fresh excitement about seeing what Nkunku and his unique celebration can bring to the Premier League side.

What is Christopher Nkunku’s celebration?

Over the past year Nkunku has become renowned for pulling a red balloon out of his sock after scoring a goal.

He then blows it up usually while his head is titled back and his arms are outstretched wide.

Nkunku first celebrated with a balloon in his mouth after scoring in a 4-0 Champions League win against Shakhtar Donetsk in November.

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Why does he celebrate with a balloon?

Although the image of the red balloon may evoke images of Steven King’s ‘It’, there’s actually a very sweet reason behind the gesture.

Nkunku has revealed that his celebration is a shoutout to his child.

“The ballon was for my son,” revealed Nkunku. “He likes balloons.”

He has since continued the unique celebration, bringing it out during his final game for Leipzig after he scored in the 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt to help his side lift the DFB Cup.