In Focus: 'Special' Jose relationship helps Rom fit in at Roma

Romelu Lukaku and Roma look like an ideal fit as the Belgian heads into the international break with a new lease of life.

The hitman needed some love after a difficult couple of seasons and has turned to Jose Mourinho — his former manager at Chelsea and Manchester United.

Roma needed sparking into life after last season's Europa League final defeat was followed by a flat start to the new campaign.

And having netted seven times in his first eight games, Lukaku and his new club are on the up.

Inspirational figure

This season, only Lautaro Martinez and Victor Osimhen have scored more Serie A goals than Lukaku, whose five strikes have helped his side up to 10th place in Serie A.

And the 30-year-old is the kind of inspirational figure that Roma fans are famous for rallying around — something they have lacked since Francesco Totti's retirement in 2017.

While Totti's legendary status in untouchable, Roma's newest star has been treated like a hero since the day he signed.

Over 5,000 fans were waiting at Rome airport when he landed to seal his move from Chelsea, including a banner that read: "Big Rom, new king of Rome."

He said at the time: "When I landed in Rome and saw all those people waiting for me I could only think positive thoughts."

He is certainly living up to the billing.

Tough love

Playing for Mourinho for the third time might not have been Lukaku's first choice.

The Portuguese boss hardly used the striker at Chelsea and sold him to Everton, while a promising start to life together at United fizzled out before Mourinho lost his job.

But the Belgian has previously stated that he would "run through brick walls" for Mourinho and last weekend suggested that their "special" relationship has been crucial in his development.

He said: "He's someone I can trust and he puts his trust in me.

"He and I have a special relationship. He knows me and my children. He's tough — but that's the only way I can grow."

Got the knack

Lukaku's career has divided opinion but his start to life at Roma is a reminder of his prowess in front of goal.

He is the Premier League's 20th-highest scorer of all time with 121 strikes — more than Ian Wright, Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo.

And upon leaving United for Inter Milan in 2019, he bagged 34 and 30 goals in consecutive seasons.

He is also Belgium's all-time leading marksman with 77. The next highest Eden Hazard is on 33.

Deadly Devil

Ahead of Belgium's Euro 2024 qualifiers against Austria and Sweden this week, Lukaku is also as important to the national team as ever.

The Red Devils' main man was not fully fit for the World Cup last year and missed a golden chance to save their campaign in the third group match against Croatia.

But his status has not diminished under new boss Domenico Tedesco, who has been rewarded with nine goals in six appearances from his leading striker.

Upon naming him in his squad for the September matches, Tedesco said: "I think you saw in the last games how important he is.

"He is a leader. He is a top striker and a top human."