Romelu Lukaku insists he is a newer, more complete version of the player that left Chelsea seven years ago, insisting his team-mates can lean on him following his big-money move back to Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku rejoined Chelsea from reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan last week in a club-record deal worth £97.5million and is expected to make his second debut in a blue shirt in the London derby against Arsenal on Sunday, having been unavailable for Saturday’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Premier League opening weekend.
The prolific Belgian international will be tasked with scoring the goals to help Thomas Tuchel’s Champions League holders fulfil their ambitions as genuine top-flight title challengers this term, as well as leading the line effectively and creating chances for others as well as channeling his significant experience into a leadership role.
Lukaku is expected to train with his new Chelsea team-mates at Cobham for the first time on Tuesday.
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And ahead of that first day, the former Manchester United frontman gave his first interview to Chelsea’s official website in which he was asked to explain the main differences between the player he was when he left for Everton in 2014 and the one returning to west London this summer.
“I just feel more complete,” said Lukaku, who first joined Chelsea from Anderlecht as a teenager in 2011 but made just 15 appearances and was sent out for loan spells at West Brom and Everton before moving to Goodison Park permanently in 2014.
“I’ve tried to master all the facets that a striker needs and I just want to keep improving on the small details all the time and keep improving on my strengths as well.
“I just want to try to help the team win and be available for the manager as well as for my team-mates. I want to make sure that they feel comfortable and they can lean on me in whatever situation we’re in.”
