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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Romelu Lukaku responds to Noel Gallagher's 'weakest' jibe ahead of Champions League final

Romelu Lukaku insists he "doesn't care" what Noel Gallagher has to say after the Manchester City fan handpicked Inter Milan as the ideal opponent in the final of the Champions League.

The Premier League and FA Cup winners head to Istanbul looking to complete a historic treble, which would make them just the second English side to do so in history. Inter remain the only Italian side to complete the feat, but City are firm favourites ahead of the weekend.

Pep Guardiola's side have seen off Bayern Munich and Real Madrid en route to the final and Gallagher is pleased to have Inter as their final hurdle "because they’re the weakest" team from their side of the draw. Lukaku, who returned to the Italian outfit after an underwhelming year with Chelsea, has no interest in paying attention to the Oasis star.

He said when questioned: "Noel Gallagher? Who is he? Honestly, I don't care what they say. I'm only focused on Inter and we have to do our best to make history."

Inter came through a group that included Barcelona and Bayern, before seeing off Porto, Benfica and AC Milan to make a first final since 2010. Lukaku admits he was always confident the Serie A side could make the showpiece event in Europe despite being unfancied by many.

The Belgian claimed: "I believed in reaching the final right from the start. In the summer, while I was in Sardinia with my family, when we started talking about the loan, I immediately said that I believed in it, I don't know why. I think we can do it".

Noel Gallagher is pleased his Man City side are facing unfancied Inter Milan (Getty Images)

Inter have hit a good run of form heading into the final, recently claiming Coppa Italia success and, despite some difficult periods throughout the season, Lukaku is confident in the qualities they have. He added: "During the season we had some moments of difficulty, but in the end we finished well. I knew we had many players who could make the difference, I just wanted to give something more when the coach gave me the opportunity to play.

"I think I was able to help the team at the end of the season, in the league and in a few Champions League matches. Now we're in the final and we have to think only of the best for Inter."

Despite sweeping Madrid aside in their semi-final City boss Pep Guardiola was quick to remind people that facing Inter would be no easy feat. "A final against an Italian team is always not the best gift, honestly," he told BT Sport. "After this victory will be a lot of compliments, I know it’s normal, but we have time to prepare mentally and the final, of course we will try to do it."

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