Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has opened up about the massive impact of Nerazzurri legend Adriano on him.

Speaking to Inter’s Recast series, via FCInterNews, the Belgian also named a derby goal against AC Milan as his favourite.

It was not long after Lukaku joined Inter in 2019 that he started earning comparisons to Adriano.

The Brazilian had been renowned for being nearly impossible to stop when he got going, to his strength, explosiveness, and close control at pace. Lukaku immediately showed similar attributes.

The Belgian also shares Adriano’s propensity for lethal finishing. Both strikers have shown in an Inter shirt that neither power nor accuracy need be sacrificed for one another.

According to Lukaku himself, the stylistic similarities are partly the result of personal inspiration. He makes no secret of the legendary former striker being a player he looked up to early on.

Inter Star Romelu Lukaku Hails Influence Of Adriano

Asked who he’d most have liked to room with among former Nerazzurri players, Lukaku replied “As a roommate I would’ve liked to have Adriano because he’s a great guy. Every time I talk to him I feel emotional.”

“When I was young I remember people would say he’s a player with strength and power who only used his left foot,” the Belgian said of Adriano.

“When I I saw him play I was only ten years old, and he changed everything for me.”

“As an attacking partner I would have liked Ronaldo Fenomeno, because he’s right-footed and I’m left-footed,” Lukaku continued. “And also for the way he played. I’d also name Vieri.”

“I would have liked to come up against Materazzi, because he’s tall, strong, and aggressive,” the Belgian said. “And those kinds of defenders are the ones who give you the most problems. It’s when you struggle that you improve.”

Lukaku also looked back on his favourite goal for the Nerazzurri.

“One of my best goals for Inter was the one in the 3-0 win against Milan,” he recalled.

“Perisic played the ball into space, and Barella and I were there,” he continued. “I asked Nicolo to leave it for me, and I saw that there was the space to run into.”

“And I just ran into it,” Lukaku looked back. “Initially I wanted to take a double step to the right, but Lautaro was there and I couldn’t get the ball to him. So I went to the left.”

“I only saw a small space to shoot into, and I thought to myself I had to shoot as hard as possible. And I scored!”