Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku admits he wants to be considered in the same bracket as the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski.
There will be huge pressure on the Belgian international’s shoulders next season as he’s been recruited for big money (£75m) and will be expected to spearhead United’s Premier League title challenge.
He arrives at Old Trafford after netting 25 goals in the top flight of English football last term – the second highest total across the entire division – but admits there’s still a long way to go before he’s considered as one of Europe’s elite centre-forwards.
“Yeah, of course [I want to reach that level] but winning trophies at the end of the day [is key],” Lukaku told ESPN.
“At the end of the day you want to win trophies.
“I’m a goalscorer, I’ve always scored goals throughout my career. Also in Europe, when I played in the Europa League, my record is really good.
“Now I think the Champions League is the next stage where I have to prove myself and the club wants to do well in it as well.
‘I’m far from that level’
Two of the most prolific goalscorers across Europe right now are Ronaldo and Lewandowski who netted 42 and 43 goals respectively last season and Lukaku concedes he’s still someway short of that level.
“No, no, no — I’m far from that level,” he added.
“But it’s the level I want to aim for. But it’s all about the team. I want the team to win trophies and I’ll do everything that I can in my powers to make sure the team wins.
“Keep improving — there is always room for improvement. I just want to become the best player that I can be.
“I will never say it’s good enough. I will always say that I can improve.
“I’m 24 years of age. I can’t say I’m the complete package. I can’t say I’m in my prime.
“There is a lot of work to be done and I’m delighted that there is still work to be done. That means I can become even better than I am now.”
To his credit, Lukaku has made a strong start to life as a United player. He netted his first goal for the club in a pre-season friendly win over Real Salt Lake last week and was on target again a few days later with a clinical finish in the 2-0 success against Manchester City.
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