Inter striker Romelu Lukaku discussed his footballing idols, previous Milanese derby games and his work ethic in an interview in today’s print edition of the match day programme. His words were collected by Italian media outlet FcInterNews.
“I have two football idols I’d like to meet. Ronaldo and Adriano. If I were to talk to them, it would be something exciting and immense for me. I don’t know if I will be able to do even a part of what they did at Inter, but my goal is to work, grow and do the best for these colours.”
The 26-year-old Belgian striker then spoke about one of his most prominent Milanese derby memories.
“I’ll never forget the 4-0 win in the 2009 derby. I had just turned professional, I watched that match, I was impressed by Eto’o and Milito, but above all I remember Thiago Motta’s wonderful goal.”
Finally, Lukaku touched on his mentality and work rate.
“I don’t want to lose, if that happens, I’ll get angry. But I admit it, I am a very positive person. Considering where I come from and my story, how could it be otherwise? This has become my mentality, on and off the field. I don’t feel the pressure, I stay focused on practice and match. I have only one formula, rest well and train better. The rest comes as a result.”
The 26-year-old former Manchester United forward, who is contracted to the Nerazzurri until 2024, has scored 20 goals and provided four assists in 29 appearances across all competitions so far this season. Lukaku has contributed to a goal every 103 minutes of play.
The player scored a goal in his first ever Milanese derby earlier this season and will be hoping to join an elite club of non-Italian players who have scored in both derby games of the season. He has formed a formidable partnership with Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez, who is suspended for this game.
