Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has piled praise on Romelu Lukaku after the striker helped the Blues to their first FIFA Club World Cup title on Saturday.
After a nervy first half, Lukaku broke the deadline, heading home smartly from a Callum Hudson-Odoi cross, only for Raphael Veiga to level from the spot nine minutes later.
Into extra time the game went and with the match seemingly destined for penalties, Cesar Azpilicueta's shot struck the hand of a Palmeiras defender.
Kai Havertz did the rest from the penalty spot to win Chelsea their first title after previously missing out in 2012.
Drogba is of course no stranger to scoring crucial headers in finals to help the Blues win a cup for the first time.
The Ivory Coast legend flicked home a Juan Mata corner late in the day against Bayern Munich before converting the winning penalty in the shootout to win their first Champions League.
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In an interview with The Athletic after the match, Drogba was eager to praise Lukaku's opening goal, delivering an emphatic four-word verdict on the moment.
“I love this goal! I love this goal!" he said.
"Romelu gave us the opening, the chance to take the lead in this game, to bring more confidence. It was not an easy team to play against."
Lukaku has not had the easiest spell of late. The 28-year-old had been misfiring heading into the Club World Cup and, added to an ill-judged interview with Sky Italia, his stock has dropped significantly among supporters.
But the context of his latest goal only makes it more joyful a moment according to Drogba.
“I’m even more happy because of all he has been through the last few weeks,” he added.
“He is responding well. The best way to answer is to score goals and to win trophies. That’s what he did."
