Romelu Lukaku is convinced his tough upbringing has helped him become the footballer he is today.
The striker became Inter’s most expensive signing ever earlier this month when the Nerazzurri spent €65 million plus bonuses to recruit him from Manchester United.
Lukaku believes the difficulties he encountered as a child is the reason he has such impressive mental strength now.
“I grew up with tough circumstances but even that had its upsides,” he told German website T-Online.
“I don’t think I’m the only one who experienced that sort of situation growing up. This gives me a strong mentality.
“I’m not interested in what others think about me, I keep doing my best. The only thing I don’t like is people who are disrespectful.”
Lukaku became Belgium’s all-time leading goal-scorer in 2017 and helped Roberto Martinez’s side reach the semi-finals of last summer’s World Cup in Russia.
The 26-year-old said he was aiming even higher ahead of next year’s European Championships.
“We need to do everything step by step and with coherence, though,” he added.
“We have to make all our new players understand that playing for Belgium is a big deal.”
Lukaku also admitted he prefers to keep his private life out of the papers, saying: “Nobody knows too much about me and I think this is best for me.”