Romelu Lukaku has revealed that a conversation with Jose Mourinho has given the striker assurances that he will be given the opportunity to prove himself at the club, ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil next year, where the striker hopes to represent Belgium.
When striker Romelu Lukaku was signed by then Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas in August 2011 for an initial fee of £10 million, expectations were high. However, there was no scope of regular first-team action for the youngster due to the stature of a certain Didier Drogba, who led the attack for the Blues.
The 19-year old, who was compared to Drogba due to his physique and style of play when bought from Anderlecht, was then sent on loan to West Bromwich Albion to gain experience and first team football.
The Belgian international made full use of his chance on loan this season playing for the side managed by former Blues coaching member Steve Clark, and he scored 14 goals of all shapes and sizes, from headers to long range shots as well as poacher-like typical striker’s goals. The West Brom officials were convinced by the performances of the striker, and hoped to have him on loan again next season. However, Abramovich and Chelsea supporters were more than delighted to welcome him back at the club, and at such a young age, under the leadership of Mourinho, Lukaku could become one of the world’s deadliest strikers.
Stories about new strike targets for Mourinho have been doing the rounds, with names like Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao dominating the papers. However, with Falcao’s transfer to Monaco done, and Arsene Wenger’s public confession of his admiration for Rooney, Chelsea made their own move, by contacting Napoli over the possibility of buying Edinson Cavani. This was proved by the Italian club’s chairman revealing initial talks over a potential deal.
However, Lukaku’s form and future potential should secure him a place in Mourinho’s plans next season. Supporters are positive about the striker, and there is optimism for next season, with the club ending last season on a high by winning the UEFA Europa League trophy.
According to Metro, Lukaku has spoken about his excitement for next season, and his conversation with the new manager.
Lukaku said, “I have had a good conversation with Jose Mourinho, and I know it’s up to me to show I’m a worth a place.”
“I always said my ambition was to play for Chelsea, and now I will go back to Stamford Bridge and try and play even more games that I did at West Brom.”
“It is the World Cup next year, and I need to be playing. But if I don’t get in the Chelsea team often enough, then I won’t deserve to be in the national squad.”
“I’m not afraid of that; I am determined to succeed with Chelsea next season. I want to prove myself.”
“If I can score a few goals early on, it can turn into a really good season for me.”
All of us here at ChelseaNews.com are big fans of Romelu Lukaku and we think he has what it takes to lead the Chelsea attack especially now that he will be working under the best manager in Europe – Jose Mourinho.