Lukaku issues vaccine warning
➤ Chelsea forward says players without jab must be careful ➤ Belgian takes No 9 shirt and says spell in Italy improved him
Romelu Lukaku has revealed he is double vaccinated against Covid-19 and has urged footballers to be “careful” if they decide against being jabbed.
With Chelsea’s £97.5 million record signing confirming he is, as expected, taking the No 9 shirt following the sale of Tammy Abraham to Roma for around £34million, Lukaku was asked about his attitude towards players being vaccinated.
“I’m double vaccinated,” the Belgium international said. “For me, it’s different because I have a few family members that are high-risk. I think as a player, it’s up to you to make the decision. The only thing we can do is be careful around the general population because we have a lot of responsibilities.”
The issue of players being vaccinated has been a sensitive debate in football, with clubs, and the Premier League in particular, reluctant to try to compel them to have the jab.
Despite being vaccinated Lukaku had to undergo a period of self-isolation after travelling around Europe before his return to Chelsea from Inter Milan was finally agreed. He will make his second debut for the club in the Premier League game at Arsenal on Sunday.
Lukaku is returning to the Premier League after two successful years in Italy which culminated in Inter regaining the Serie A title. The striker believes he has improved significantly after leaving Manchester United for £74 million.
“Maturity has been important,” the 28-year-old said. “I think I’ve learned much more about myself, setting higher standards for myself.
“As a player, it’s been about becoming more complete, as the game in Italy is more different. The spaces are tighter, it’s more technical and tactical, and that helped me a lot. The English game is different but, for me, it’s not something new. So it’s a case of getting back here and adapting to my team-mates and whatever game plan the coach has to help the team.”
Lukaku, who was originally registered on the Premier League’s website with the No 18 shirt – which he took when he first arrived at the club as an 18-year-old from Anderlecht in 2011 – has now decided on the classic centre-forward’s number. “I got No9,” he said. “I am very happy and very fortunate to be in the situation.
“Azpi (Cesar Azpilicueta) is the captain and has been here for many years and he’s a great captain. When I was in quarantine he was already messaging me about finding a house and stuff. It was like I was never gone. The relationship is still intact and also with the rest of the boys.
“There are many big personalities in this dressing room. I am a player that likes to connect everybody and likes to make everybody feel comfortable around me and give them confidence. This dressing room has a lot of personality, which I like.
“It is good to be back. As a footballer you fight to achieve your dreams.”