Lukaku: First Chelsea spell tough but helpful | OneFootball

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku says a first tough spell at Stamford Bridge was the making of his career.

The lack of game time was difficult but, as he looks back at that period now with hindsight and the wisdom of over a decade in the senior game, it proved significant in shaping the professional he is now.

"It was painful and helpful, but I would say more helpful because it gave me the mentality and the mindset that I needed to become the player I am today," he told the club's website.

"The team was very good but nobody saw the extra work they did after the training sessions. As an 18-year-old, I saw first-hand every day how much the players worked on their craft.

"That's when I knew that was what you had to do to become this type of player. I told myself “when I'm not playing, this is what I'm going to do" and it basically just became a lifestyle."

Of his improvements since, Lukaku says: "I'm much more calm.

"I've matured with fatherhood and I'm more laidback. After winning in Italy and knowing what it takes to get there, that really helped me. In the last three years, I've been able to build something that I can take on for the rest of my career.

"It can be complicated but when you really set your mind to do something and you really dedicate everything that you have to that goal, you can achieve it. I recognised my little qualities and talent but I also knew what I was not good at and I really spent a lot of time working on those attributes to be the complete package.

"Now, it feels good. I'm very happy with the opportunity and we've started really well as a team. My team-mates have made life very easy for me and the coach is doing a great job. Our performances have been good but we're always looking for the next challenge."