Current Roma and former Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku feels that despite the summer controversy around him, he’s proving himself on the pitch.
The Belgian spoke to Italian broadcaster DAZN, via FCInterNews, following the Gialloross’s 4-1 Serie A win over Cagliari this evening.
The story between Lukaku and Inter this summer was certainly a complicated one.
The 30-year-old had looked as though he would be returning to the Nerazzurri on a permanent basis after spending last season at the club on loan.
But then, the relationship between he and Inter unexpectedly soured.
The reason for this was the Nerazzurri’s negative reaction to the revelation that Lukaku had been negotiating extensively with Juventus behind their backs.
Moreover, there were reports that the Belgian had not been responding to phone calls. This was the case both with the Inter directors and with his former teammates.
Therefore, Inter pulled the plug on their attempts to re-sign Lukaku. They did so abruptly and angrily.
And the fan reaction was also as negative was would be expected.
Romelu Lukaku Reflects On Summer Transfer Saga: “I Just Work”
It was Roma who ended up snapping up Lukaku in the last few days of the transfer window.
The Giallorossi were not necessarily the most obvious destination for the former Manchester United and Everton striker.
But with neither Inter nor Chelsea wanting Lukaku, and Juventus also not making the decisive move to sign him, Roma sensed their opportunity to get the surprise deal done.
And Lukaku has gotten off to a positive start to life in the Italian capital.
The Belgian got a brace in this evening’s victory over Cagliari.
This took Lukaku’s goal tally to seven for the season so far.
The striker said after the match that “I’m a professional.”
“I worked during the summer. There was a lot of talk about me, but I don’t like to talk.”
He added that “I prove on the pitch what I can give to a team. Today things went well.”
And of the importance of Giallorossi coach Jose Mourinho in his choice, Lukaku said that “As I’ve said in the past, he and I have a special relationship.”
“He knows my and my children,” the Belgian added of the current Roma and former Inter coach.”
“He’s someone I can trust, and he puts his trust in me,” he said of the Portuguese coach.
“He’s tough, but that’s the only way that I can grow.”