Chelsea's club record signing Romelu Lukaku has made a big Cristiano Ronaldo admission whilst also speaking once more in glowing fashion about his former club Inter Milan ahead of potential return in the summer.
Lukaku, 28, is currently enjoying some time away from the spotlight with Hakim Ziyech as both were pictured at an NBA match on Monday night. Prior to the trip across the Atlantic ocean, the club record signing had netted in the FA Cup quarter-final win over Middlesbrough but has become a cup striker after Kai Havertz stole his mantle as first choice with his improved and consistent form since the FIFA Club World Cup final.
In spite of scoring on Teeside, ex-Newcastle striker and Premier League legend Alan Shearer had suggested a monetary solution to getting the best out of the former Serie A MVP winner. "I said it before the game, I’m not sure the system that Chelsea use suits him," Shearer told the BBC after the 2-0 FA Cup win.
"Yes, the way he played at Inter he had someone alongside him and I think, his style of play, he definitely prefers that. He needs balls into the box without a doubt. "It’s not the right game to judge him on this season. It doesn’t look a comfortable situation for him in that team, they were impressive tonight but they do look a better team at times with Havertz in there. Havertz has the freedom to move around, but sometimes I think Lukaku is reluctant to make runs in behind."
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The £97.5million striker will be unwinding for part of the international break but will also be returning early to train with the cohort of senior and youth players who haven't received international call ups. An opportunity perhaps to impress manager Tuchel with his attitude, application and hunger to win back his spot. His words to Italian outlet AIC after being named player of the season last term demonstrate he still has it within himself to turnaround the situation, but with his explosive interview still in mind whereby he admitted his mistake in returning to west London and leaving Serie A, these new set of quotes can also be interpreted very easily as another message to the Nerazzurri, who would have to spend a lot of money in the summer if operation get Lukaku back was to be on the cards.
“The club [Inter] always backed us and so did the fans who I want to thank,” he said via the Evening Standard. “Being ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo is something that doesn’t happen every day. To me, he is one of the best three players in football history. He also brought me to a different level because he does great things.
“I am really happy to be included in the Serie A top XI for last season. I want to thank all those who voted for me and the team that helped me a lot, the coach and his staff. It was the team’s achievement and it’s an honour to be in the top XI. “It was my dream as a kid to play in Serie A and I did all I could to achieve it. I am satisfied to have done it.
“It’s an honour to have been named best player of the season. It’s something that I could not achieve without the help of the team. They helped me realise great things. We won together improving a lot. Everyone developed and the coach was always close to us. This award gives me a lot of confidence for the future.”
