Star struck Lukaku eager to learn

Published Aug. 23, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Towering Belgium international, Romelu Lukaku, has been touted as the next Didier Drogba following two prolific seasons with Anderlecht.

The 18-year-old striker has been hanging on Drogba's every word since his arrival at Stamford Bridge last week and hopes the Ivorian will remain at the club for some time to come.

"I'm very similar in style to Didier," said Lukaku, who was presented to the media at Chelsea's training ground on Tuesday afternoon. "I also have pace and when it's one against one I'm also very strong.

"To be compared with him is a very big honour for me. Every time I'm training I spend time with him and sit next to him in the dressing room.

"I listen during every moment I spend with him. He's always giving me advice. "I'm not here to replace Didier, I'm here to play for Chelsea.

"I hope he stays here as long as possible so I can play with him and continue learning from him. He's a world class striker."

Lukaku also admits to being star struck since working alongside his new team-mates in training.

"When I first met the team I was quiet," he said. "You don't know what to say, like when John Terry talks to me I'm thinking 'did he just say that to me?'

"When Didier says 'well done Romelu', I'm thinking 'he did just say that, right?'. It gives you a boost, makes you want to do more."

Lukaku visited Stamford Bridge in 2009 during a school field trip to London while being filmed for a television documentary. When at the ground he said: "What a stadium. If one day in my life I will cry, it will be the day I play here. I love Chelsea."

Two years later, he has fulfilled his ambition by joining for the Premier League runners-up. "I always said to my friends that one day I'd play for Chelsea. Now that I'm here it's amazing," he said.

"I've realised my dream but now I need to focus in training. "The Premier League is the biggest competition in the world. It will not be easy like it was in Belgium. "But first at my young age I want to learn from the players who are here.

"After that I want to show to the coach that whenever he needs me, I'm ready. "Our first home game against West Brom was very emotional. I put a cap on so that no one could see me. "I already feel at home here and I want to continue having a great relationship with the fans."

Lukaku was joined at Chelsea's training ground on Tuesday afternoon by Oriol Romeu, who was lured away from Barcelona for £4.2million earlier this month. The 19-year-old defensive midfielder could challenge for a starting place with Michael Essien injured, but he accepts he must prove himself first.

"This is a great opportunity. Chelsea are one of the best clubs in the world," said the Spaniard. "I thought it would be wise to be part of such a huge club. "There are a lot of high level players here and I want to improve by learning from them.

"I'll make the most of the experience and give it my all. I'm not setting important goals, I'm just giving my all."