Footballers often have reference points for moves in their career, and Belgium international Romelu Lukaku is no different. Back in 2020, shortly after he joined Inter Milan, he named one Italy legend as an idol of his and a reason for his decision to join the Nerazzurri.
He spoke alongside host Pierluigi Pardo on Italian television show Tiki Taka, where he explained the reasoning behind his decision to sign for Inter Milan when he first did. His revelation was proof that childhood inspirations and tactical influences drive world-class players and shape their career choices.
The Belgian has since moved to other teams, playing for Chelsea, AS Roma, Napoli, and Galatasaray in the six years since his interview.
Romelu Lukaku Idolised Christian Vieri
In his interview, Lukaku said that he felt great to represent Inter Milan, revealing that he had grown up hoping to one day represent the club.
He said that he watched the Nerazzurri compete against Lazio in the 1998 UEFA Cup (Now UEFA Europa League) final, which ended 3-0 to Inter thanks to goals from Ivan Zamorano, Javier Zanetti, and Ronaldo.
He named the Brazilian icon alongside Christian Vieri and Adriano as strikers he greatly admired from watching the club.
“It was a great feeling. Playing in Italy and for Inter was a dream for me. The first final that I saw as a youngster was Inter vs. Lazio, the UEFA Cup final in 1998. I wanted to play for Inter because I’ve always admired their great strikers: Ronaldo, Vieri and Adriano."
Vieri joined Inter Milan in 1999 for a then-world record fee of £32 million and remained at the club until 2005, when his contract was terminated by mutual agreement.
He played 190 times for Inter, scoring 123 goals and supplying 22 assists, winning the Capocannoniere once in the 2002-03 season and lifting the 2004-05 Coppa Italia with the club.
Similarities Between Romelu Lukaku And Christian Vieri
Romelu Lukaku can be termed to be an old-fashioned striker, judging by his style of play and physique.
He emerged as a burly teenager at RSC Anderlecht before earning a move to Chelsea, who sent him to West Bromwich Albion and Everton on loan. While on loan, he filled his frame more enabling him to translate his physical dominance to senior football.
Like him, Vieri was also considered to be more physical than technical as a youngster, and he leaned on this attribute to give himself an obvious advantage over opponents.
The Italian was also left-footed, like Lukaku, and had a direct offensive style which blended pace with power, giving him a powerful physical presence.
Lukaku left Inter Milan for Chelsea after leading the club to the Serie A title, something Vieri never managed. He went back after just a season, before leaving just one season later as their relationship soured.
He played 132 times for the club, scoring 78 goals and providing 24 assists. Like Vieri, he is something of a nomad, as he currently plays for Fenerbahce, the ninth club of his career so far, at 33 years old.
