Romelu Lukaku has given his thoughts on the perceived rivalry between himself and Portugal and Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking in an official press conference with the Belgian national team, as reported by FCInterNews, the 28-year-old was asked about what he thought about his career and his counterpart in Serie A and in the Euro 2020 Round of 16.
With Belgium and Portugal set to face off on Sunday, some have predicted that Lukaku and Ronaldo would be the protagonists of the match.
This is taken to be a reprise of the contest between the two in Serie A last season where the 36-year-old Portuguese was Capocannoniere in the league but Lukaku finished top of the league in combined goals and assists and won the Scudetto.
However, the Belgian downplayed this kind of comparison, and is only focusing on his own growth and giving his best on the pitch for club and country.
“I’ve made a lot of progress, but I’m always looking for that little bit more,” Lukaku said. “Everyone always talks about form, but I think I’ve made a step in my career and I’m trying to make another one.”
About the perceived rivalry with Ronaldo he had this to say:
“It was exceptional to win the title, it was a great season, but I don’t think that Ronaldo’s presence was what motivated me on a general level.”
The former Manchester United striker also touched on comparisons with other top forwards from across Europe and felt that it was a motivating factor.
“When people talk about Lewandowski, Benzema and Kane, they call these players ‘world class’, but with me it’s just ‘good form’. This motivated me to work harder and improve. Now I think I belong on that list of world-class players.”
