Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku insists he is “not scared” by the prospect of Jose Mourinho recruiting a big name striker like Samuel Eto’o or Wayne Rooney this summer and would welcome the competition for places.
APLukaku started from the bench in Chelsea’s first two Premier League games of the season.
Mourinho’s summer spending is likely to continue with Anzhi midfielder Willian emerging as the club’s latest target, while rumours surrounding Rooney’s possible move to Stamford Bridge persist.
Lukaku, who already faces a rivalry with Demba Ba and Fernando Torres for a starting spot under Mourinho, denies he will be disgruntled if Chelsea recruit another striker and is confident it will only improve him as a player.
“Every player wants to be in the best team there is,” he said. “If a player can improve us, why not? Samuel Eto’o, Wayne Rooney, I have heard everyone. I am not scared. Let them come.”
The Belgium international was used as a substitute in both of Chelsea’s opening fixtures and is happy to bide his time for regular football, despite being first choice during his loan spell at West Brom last season.
“I’m getting closer to where I need to be and hopefully also closer to the starting line-up, my main ambition,” he added. “If I keep working hard, like I’m doing now, showing the talent that I have, hopefully I get to start in the next game.
“Compared to the first year, when I arrived here it was all about learning and taking a bit off all the players, now it’s about starting games.”
Lukaku was quick to play down comparisons with former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, with the 20-year-old keen to forge of an identity of his own.
“There will always be comparisons but I have my own name,” he said. “I am still young and I can still make my own way.”
Comments
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on ESPN’s media platforms. Learn more.
