Pro Sports

Belgium forward Lukaku says he draws motivation like Jordan

Posted June 25, 2021 7:00 am

By TALES AZZONI

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku applauds fans as he is substituted during the Euro 2020 soccer championship group B match between Finland and Belgium at Saint Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Monday, June 21, 2021. (Anatoly Maltsev/Pool Photo via AP) The Associated Press

SEVILLE, Spain (AP) - Romelu Lukaku was watching the documentary 'œThe Last Dance'ť when he realized he had something in common with basketball great Michael Jordan.

'œWhen I saw 'The Last Dance' and Michael Jordan talking about how he motivates himself, I thought to myself, '~I'm not alone,''ť the Belgium striker said Friday.

Lukaku said watching the documentary about the Chicago Bulls made him realize that he draws his motivation the same way Jordan did, using criticism against him to become a better player and prove others wrong.

'œI'm not saying I'm Michael Jordan, but some people need that, I'm not the only one," Lukaku said through a translator. 'œCristiano (Ronaldo) will always want to be the best and break all the records, (Kylian) MbappÃ© will always want to win everything and be the next great one ... People need something to push themselves. I need that as well."

Lukaku said his first reaction when he is criticized, or when people say someone is better than him, is to go 'œpractice to improve and show what I can do.'ť

Lukaku will be playing against Ronaldo on Sunday when Belgium takes on Portugal in the round of 16 of the European Championship.

Ronaldo has scored five goals at Euro 2020, two more than Lukaku. The Portugal forward is one goal from breaking the overall men's scoring record in international soccer. He is level with former Iran striker Ali Daei with 109 goals.

The 28-year-old Lukaku said he needs to take his 'œhat off'ť to Ronaldo for his 'œimpressive" career numbers.

'œIf there's anyone who can achieve those numbers, it's Ronaldo,'ť Lukaku said. 'ťIt's a motivation when you have someone in your league who can do that at that age. There is no reason why I can't try to get to that level or as close to it as possible."

Lukaku plays for Inter Milan in the Italian league, while the 36-year-old Ronaldo is with Juventus.

Lukaku said he feels he has shown recently he deserves to be considered one the best forwards in soccer.

'œIn the last couple of years I showed that I'm also a top-class player,'ť he said. 'œIt was one of my goals, and I think I have achieved it. I have improved a lot in the last few years."

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Tales Azzoni on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tazzoni

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Euro 2020 soccer championship group B match between Finland and Belgium at Saint Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Monday, June 21, 2021. (Anatoly Maltsev/Pool Photo via AP) The Associated Press

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku, left, scores his side's second goal during the Euro 2020 soccer championship group B match between Finland and Belgium at Saint Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Monday, June 21, 2021. (Anton Vaganov/Pool Photo via AP) The Associated Press

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku runs with the ball during the Euro 2020 soccer championship group B match between Finland and Belgium at Saint Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Monday, June 21, 2021. (Anatoly Maltsev/Pool Photo via AP) The Associated Press

Belgium's manager Roberto Martinez, left, greets his player Belgium's Romelu Lukaku after he was substituted by Belgium's Christian Benteke during the Euro 2020 soccer championship group B match between Finland and Belgium at Saint Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Monday, June 21, 2021. (Anatoly Maltsev/Pool Photo via AP) The Associated Press

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