Romelu Lukaku: I am like a leopard in the box

Monday 13 November 2017 14:53

Romelu Lukaku has described himself as a “leopard in the box”.

The 24-year-old Manchester United powerhouse became Belgium’s joint-top scorer of all-time on Friday night by scoring a brace in a 3-3 draw with Mexico in Brussels, taking his international tally to 30 goals.

That is equal to Bernard Voorhoof and Paul Van Himst, but Lukaku can claim the record for himself when Roberto Martinez’s Belgium take on Japan in a friendly on Tuesday evening. 

Following his brace at the weekend, which ended a run of seven matches without a goal at club level, Lukaku spoke confidently about his goal-scoring abilities and remarkable record for somebody so young.

“It’s a relief but I knew it would come,” Rom told Sky Sports. “I feel great to be honest. I was born to score. I don’t think many strikers of my generation have as many goals as me. I am like a leopard in the box.”
Romelu Lukaku says

"I was born to score. I don’t think many strikers of my generation have as many goals as me. I am like a leopard in the box.”

Lukaku’s animalistic description echoes his Reds team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who famously refers to himself as a lion in interviews. The Swede is currently working hard to regain full fitness at the Aon Training Complex and hopes to return in the coming months, which has Romelu fired up.

“It motivates me really because he's another good player to add to the squad,” Lukaku said on international duty at the weekend. “When you face a team like us it's difficult for opponents. Ibrahimovic coming back will help us to chase Manchester City [in the title race].”
Romelu Lukaku says

“When you face a team like us it's difficult for opponents. Ibrahimovic coming back will help us to chase Manchester City."

Quizzed on United’s recent performances and result, Lukaku was confident the team will soon get back to top form. “Lately we haven’t performed like we did at the start of the season,” he said. 

“We started by blowing teams away, being dominant and creating chances. But in the last few weeks we didn’t play at the same level and that made it more difficult for me. 

“That’s the sort of thing you have to go through in the season, but now there are players coming back from injury and hopefully we can deliver performances even better than at the start of the season. We can create more chances and goals.”