Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku has claimed that his two years at Inter Milan has helped him develop multiple facets as a striker. Lukaku has now returned to Chelsea and aims to be a leader at Stamford Bridge winning several trophies.
Lukaku was at Chelsea for 10 years after joining the club in 2011 from Anderlecht adn was considered as one of the most talented young forward in the world. However, he never settled to life at Stamford Bridge and was loaned out to West Brom and Everton, where he was exceptional in finding the target consistently.
However, he might have struggled during his first stint, he believes that he is now a lot more complete player and credits former Inter manager Antonio Conte for this change. The 28-year-old explained how he has changed in these years at Serie A, he told the official website, “I just feel more complete. I’ve tried to master all the facets that a striker needs and I just want to keep improving on the small details all the time and keep improving on my strengths as well.
“I’m a leader but I’m also more of a gel person, making sure that everybody feels comfortable and confident. That’s the way I lead.
“When there’s a difficult moment in the game, they can lean on me and I’ll always be encouraging my team-mates, never being down on them or barking at them.”
Lukaku played a pivotal role and guided Conte’s Inter Milan to a historic Serie A title last season. He developed a telepathic connection with Lautaro Martinez at San Siro and Thomas Tuchel will hope that the Belgian international will build something like that with German forward Timo Werner.
Lukaku has mentioned how Tuchel wants him to lead the attack and be a focal point in the attack for the Blues. When quizzed whether he had spoken to Tuchel or not Lukaku replied, “Yes, of course! The conversation was really clear from him, that he wants me to be a presence and a leader in the team.
“My role will depend on what the game plan is and what the boss wants me to do. If he wants me to be a focal point or if he wants me to attack the spaces in behind, I can do it. The two years in Italy helped me master all the facets of the game for a striker and now I’m ready.”
Chelsea won the Champions League last season but Tuchel was not satisfied with the options upfront. Werner in his first year at the Premier League failed to settle to the system but will only get better with time. Whereas Kai Havertz is more suited in a creative role than upfront. Also with Olivier Giroud’s departure they needed someone who can score consistently and also lead the attack and hence they roped in Lukaku.
