‘ICON’ LUKAKU REACHES HIS CAP CENTURY

ROMELU LUKAKU has been hailed as an ‘icon’ as he reaches 100 international caps today at the age of just 28.

Lukaku will become only the sixth Belgian to reach the milestone and there promises to be a big celebration with their fans allowed back into the King Badouin Stadium in Brussels for the first time since the pandemic.

‘I think he is a living iconic figure of Belgian football. One hundred caps, 66 goals, at his age. He has a phenomenal attitude,’ said Belgian manager Roberto Martinez.

‘I hope he can go onto 125 or maybe 150 caps. Sometimes you take for granted what we have. These players don’t come often. I want to give him a big thank you for the commitment he has given the national team over the years.’

Lukaku, who rejoined Chelsea last month in a £98million deal from Inter Milan, seemed emotional as he considered the landmark.

‘I feel very fortunate to be in this position. To be in this generation of Belgian players. We have a good team, a lot of qualities, a very good mentality,’ he said.

‘It’s a very proud moment for me and my family to be added to this list of players who have reached 100 caps.

‘I hope the next generation understand playing for this Belgium national team is not something you take lightly. You really try to perform and put Belgian football on the map. I am very happy to be in this situation.’