Romelu Lukaku has been in great form after Inter move with 14 league goals in 18 games. He hits back the criticism about him and he thinks it would be funny to have a boxing match with the strongest player Akinfenwa in the exclusive interview with All Football:
Q: When did you find out that you like football? Did your father take you to this field？
I was four years old when I knew that I wanted to be a footballer. Seeing my dad play obviously was a little influence but the UEFA Cup final between Inter and Lazio (Inter won 3-0) was the moment when I knew I wanted to play professionally.
There was a picture of you that was very popular on the Internet when you were about 13 years old. At that time, you were two heads taller than your peers. Would your unique figure make you more competitive in the competition when you were young? Did it bring you any troubles at that time?
Lukaku: It was the final of the school tournament in Belgium in the Flemish part of the country. At that time I was still playing with kids of my age group but I wasn’t physically as developed as I am now. I was taller and skinny, but really fast.
Q: At the age of 16, when you were promoted to the first team, what was the first thing you did? How did you feel about it?
I worked hard to get to that moment because I deserved it. I sacrificed a lot to get that stage and I was performing well in older age groups. Scoring goals, winning titles and so on. At one point in the reserves, I was doing so well that I just knew my time was around the corner and I truly believed in myself that I was better than the other strikers in the first team because I had qualities that they didn’t have.
Q: Some critics think you have scored more goals this season because Serie A is easier than the Premier League. What do you think about that?
It’s the usual garbage that people say when I do well. I don’t listen to what people say. I just stick to my work which is scoring goals.
How do you feel with Lautaro? Every time you scored a goal, you would celebrate it with him. Is that a kind of deal between you guys?
We feel really good working together. He has the qualities that I want in a strike partner and we compliment each other really well because we’re both dynamic and have the hunger to score, win and work hard for the team.
Q: When you were 18 years old, you were a rising star in Europe. People in Belgium, in England, they have very high expect on you. Are you satisfied with your achievement so far? Which championship would you like to win the most?
I’m still in the middle of my career so I’m going to do my best and at the end I will look back not now
Q: In Russian World Cup, you played really well for the national team, and Belgium secured the third place, a very impressive ranking. Do you think you are the hero of Belgium? How do you feel about your country?
Our generation is the best generation of Belgium football. So it’s nice to be part of it. When I play for the national team I’m really motivated to do well for my country. Hopefully we can perform good at the euro’s.
Q: Next summer you will take part in the European Cup with the national team for the second time in your career. In 2016 you scored two goals. What do you expect for the Euro 2020 this time? If you have to make a choice: playing in European Cup final or the Champions League final, which one would you prefer?
No expectations. I go out there to perform and look game after game. Both (LOL)
Q: People always say that Lukaku has a proud physical fitness and can succeed in any sports field. When you were a child, did you try anything other than football, such as basketball and boxing?
I played basketball in school. So, I’m quite good. I think I would be good in American football in the tight end position or maybe wide receiver!
Q: Do you know Adebayo Akinfenwa? He calls himself the strongest football player. Fans always compare you to him. If you two fight in a boxing match, who do you think will be the winner?
No idea! It would be funny!
Q: Your national teammates Carrasco and Fellaini are playing in Chinese league now. Did they ever tell you about their life in China? What's your impression of China? Would you imagine playing in China or MLS in the future?
Yes, I speak with them a lot and they tell me a lot of positive things about the league and the people. The league is growing and the stadiums are full so it will be nice to experience it.
When I was there with Manchester United, I really loved the fact that the people were showing us so much love. And for me being a guy who likes experiencing other cultures, I think it will be nice to go over there and learn about it and also add a new language to my repertoire. I speak already 7 (English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Dutch and Lingala, a Congolese dialect of Swahili) so who knows Chinese might be number 8!