Lukaku: I´m ambitious, not arrogant

Romelu Lukaku says there is nothing wrong with ambition after reportedly opting to reject a new contract at Everton.

The Belgium international’s apparent move to refuse fresh terms earlier this month came despite his agent Mino Raiola having previously insisted an agreement was “99.9 per cent done”. 

Everton top scorer Lukaku has regularly spoken of his desire to play in the Champions League and win trophies, but he insists that should not be mistaken for arrogance.

“The decision has already been made so I can’t talk about that,” Lukaku, who still has two years left on his Everton contract, told reporters ahead of Belgium’s World Cup qualifier against Greece.

“There is nothing wrong with ambition. You have to embrace it and where you are as a footballer.

“Sometimes people will mistake things that I say but it’s just ambition that I have; I want to win titles and trophies and I don’t think people should take that as arrogance – people should embrace it.

“This is what footballers need to achieve if they want to become the best, and I think young kids need to learn that too.

“I have made a long way until now but the road is still long and I know I have to improve and get better. I want to help Everton as much as I can, as well as the national team. I think a lot of stuff can be achieved.”

Lukaku has scored 21 Premier League goals in 28 matches this season, putting him two clear of Harry Kane at the top of the scoring charts.

Ahead of the Greece game, Belgium boss Roberto Martinez – formerly his manager at Everton – tipped Lukaku to become the world’s best number nine.