Inter striker Romelu Lukaku has revealed that he is not aiming to hit the 100 goal mark for the Belgian national team and is thinking only about helping the national team to win games.
Following the most recent international break, the 27-year-old forward now has a total of 57 goals to his name for Belgium, which is a record for the national team.
“Is it a goal of mine to score 100 for Belgium? No, no. I wanted to beat Van Himst’s record. Since it’s done, I’m just trying to win with my country, ” Lukaku told Belgian news outlet La Derniere Heure.
He was then asked whether or not he was disappointed to not be able to score against England in their recent UEFA Nations League meeting against them.
“No, because I was still not fit enough. In the last two weeks I have only done two group training sessions, one with Inter and one with the national team. I felt it against England, but I was able to work well before the match against Denmark and I felt good.”
Lukaku was then asked about the fact that it seems he is the captain and leader of the Belgian national team given the way he communicates with his teammates out on the field.
“I try to be the glue of this team. I encourage a lot. In the locker room at the half time interval I said we had to react, we had to do more. We did it all well, from Thibaut Courtois to Dries Mertens and Kevin de Bruyne. Everyone did a great job.”
He then revealed that he had spoken to Thorgan Hazard at half time and urged him to take time on the ball in order to cross better, a chat which paid off as Hazard would assist one of Lukaku’s goals.
“Yes, I told him at half time that he had to take his time when he received the ball, to make a good cross. He did it well and I managed to get past my man.”
Lukaku was then asked about the more defensive approach that Belgium have adopted over the course of their last three games, all of which they have won, despite not playing like they normally would.
“It’s a way to win when needed. We’ve been more aggressive and bet on blocks. We need to be as efficient at the back as we are upfront. With all the great attacking players we have, we know we can score and if we don’t concede it will be easier for us.”
In conclusion Lukaku was asked about the three teams who are joining them in the UEFA Nations League final four, France, Spain and Italy.
“I only think of one thing and that is Sunday’s match against Torino then the one against Real Madrid. There will be time for the Final Four. The next matches with the Red Devils are the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup.”