Romelu Lukaku says ‘Inter were the club I wanted to play for in Italy’ and that he is ready to help them in their fight against racism.
Lukaku has made an instant impact for Inter since arriving from Manchester United last month, scoring two goals in his first two Serie A games.
However, the striker’s second appearance saw him racially abused by Cagliari fans and Nerazzurri ultras even defending their actions.
Romelu Lukaku says ‘Inter were the club I wanted to play for in Italy’ and that he is ready to help them in their fight against racism.
Lukaku has made an instant impact for Inter since arriving from Manchester United last month, scoring two goals in his first two Serie A games.
However, the striker’s second appearance saw him racially abused by Cagliari fans and Nerazzurri ultras even defending their actions.
“I can talk a bit of Italian, but my vocabulary isn’t that great so I’ll start doing interviews in three weeks,” the 26-year-old told Rolling Stone.
“First of all, it was a sporting decision [to come here] because Inter were the club I wanted to play for in Italy.
“Also the Coach was really important, as well as the players because I already knew they were good.
“Family wise it was important to come to Italy because my brother [Lazio left-back Jordan Lukaku] is already here.
“I think Italy is a nice country to be in and I’m happy to discover a different type of culture.
“I think it’s important to not only play in different Leagues but also learn different cultures in life.
“For me, the slogan [Not For Everyone] fits the club very well because the supporters are extremely loyal and it’s not a team that everyone supports.
“The fans we have are very loyal, it goes from generation to generation and it’s nice to be at a club where you see a lot of fans in the stadium at every game.
“It’s always the same fans in the same seats so it’s really nice to be in a situation where the fans truly love the club. I really feel the slogan fits the club.
“As soon as I came and even before that, a lot of fans were excited for me to come. They sent me direct messages on Instagram and also when I took a plane the plane from Brussels to come to Milan, there were a lot of fans.
“Also in the warmups, they’re encouraging me, shouting my name, so for me my bow was a ‘thank-you’ gesture for the support I’ve had since I came.”
The Beneamata have already begun an anti-racism campaign, entitled ‘BUU’ – or Brothers Universally United.
“I think it’s a great initiative from the club. If they want me to help then I’d be willing to help, but right now I’m not focused on what’s happening around me.
“If I hear it then I’ll address it, but right now everyone’s being nice to me. I just want to be focused on the football pitch and try to help my teammates win.
“I think you have to leave the stadiums, of course, because it’s something we need to address.
“Also lately in England, you see a lot of issues with players from Chelsea and Manchester United in the last couple of weeks.
“It’s something we need to address because football is international and multicultural, so if you really want to draw the best players in the world, you have to make sure you receive them with open arms because they’re also willing to adapt to the culture.
“I think it’s really important not to discriminate and just appreciate the presence they bring into the country.”
The Belgian was then asked about his relationship with American rapper Jay-Z, who owns his agency Roc Nation Sports.
“For me, he’s the guy. He’s a great mentor and a good friend of mine. We spoke after my first game and he was really happy for me.
“I hope he drops a new project soon because a lot of rappers have brought out new albums in the last 6-7 months.
“I think it’s time for him but I think he’s analysing how the music industry’s going and then he’ll come with something hard for sure.
“Basically he helps me with all the stuff outside of football. Obviously I have my agent Federico Pastorello, who helps me with football.
“Outside, Jay-Z helps with me with the marketing stuff and stuff that can help me become a businessman.
“Our conversations are about life and he gives me little inputs about what I can do better off the pitch. They help me a lot and I’m proud to be part of the Roc Nation family.”
A keen DJ, is the rap game or Serie A football harder?
“The Italian League is harder because you have to fight a lot!
“I don’t know many bows I’ll do. Next time I’ll try to do a celebration that people can relate to and can say is my celebration, but the bows will come back for sure.”