Wayne Rooney transfer to Chelsea would make me work even harder, Romelu Lukaku claims
Wayne Rooney transfer to Chelsea would make me work even harder, Romelu Lukaku claims
And the striker says it's all a part of being in a successful squad as
he looks to nail down a starting spot for the coming season
Pick me! Romelu Lukaku says he can work perfectly with Wayne Rooney
Stanley Chou
Romelu Lukaku believes he can help Wayne Rooney power Chelsea to the title, writes Martin Lipton in Kuala Lumpur
. The Belgian 20-year-old
has returned to Stamford Bridge hungry to show he is good enough to play a massive part in Jose Mourinho's second spell
. Lukaku has already scored twice in Chelsea's Far East tour
, with Mourinho declaring he is ready to challenge for a starting place.
That may become harder if Chelsea's pursuit of Rooney is successful
although the powerhouse is poised to start against Hull on August 18
with Fernando Torres and Juan Mata set to be ruled out.
But Lukaku insisted the potential arrival of the Manchester United ace
could only be good for him and the club.
Lukaku said: "You know when you are playing for a team like Chelsea, there is going to be competition.
"I like competition. Obviously, if he does sign, it could be a good partnership but it is the manager's choice. Trophy hunt: The Belgian believes Wayne Rooney can help the Blues win the title
PA
"You have to accept that you have to work hard to make it a
successful squad. If he is part of our team I will welcome him with open
arms."
Mourinho explained why he wanted Rooney - without ever mentioning the
England star by name - when he conceded his squad lacked a striker who
could drop off and turn on the ball.
Lukaku, back after 17 goals on loan at West Brom, feels Mourinho can
transform him into just such a striker over the coming years.
He added: "I know what the manager said - but one day that will
change! He is the manager and he has a vision of the way he wants to
play. The players have to improve to do that.
"I certainly have it in me. I'm confident in my qualities. I can
score more goals, with my feet and head. I can get more assists. I am
very quick and skillful. I can do a bit of everything." Full charge: West Brom benefitted from Lukaku's 17 goals last season
Action Images
As for the Mourinho factor, Lukaku is already a convert. "He is a
great manager," said the £18million youngster. "He is very direct - and I
love that.
"If he has something to say to you, he says it. That is a good thing.
"I would not say he has given me a hard time but he is very direct
and in your face. I have had to work more than I ever have but I like to
work."
Lukaku's first opportunity is likely to come against Hull with
Mourinho fearing his Spanish trio of Mata, Torres and Cesar Azpilicueta
will be in no shape to play after travelling back from the friendly in
Ecuador.
Mourinho said: "They will arrive in London on the Saturday, without having slept after a 15-hour journey, to train that morning.
"If a player plays for England on Wednesday against Scotland, plays
for 45 minutes at Wembley and then an hour after the game he is at home
in Cobham sleeping, he is in a better condition to play." Shifting things: Mourinho is having to shuffle his pack to ensure they remain fit
Action Images
Mourinho's thinking will also be determined by the fixture calendar,
with Chelsea pushing to have their scheduled August 31 home game against
Aston Villa - which clashes with the UEFA SuperCup against Barcelona in
Prague - pulled forward by 10 days.
But the Blues boss will send at least five younger players out on
loan, although Kevin De Bruyne - flying back to London last night for a
precautionary MRI scan on his knee injury - and Serbian defender Tomas
Kalas join Lukaku in the first-team squad.
Mourinho explained: "Josh McEachran will go on loan and we are
thinking of letting Nathaniel Chalobah go for a last season, though he
is for sure, a Chelsea player and could be in our squad already.
"Of the others, Lucas Piazon will go out, Wallace will go on too
because he has no work permit. And while we'd like to keep Bertrand
Traore we know he might not get a permit."
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