‘Next Drogba’ in no hurry to oust hero

ROMELU LUKAKU is eager to learn from boyhood hero Didier Drogba and has no intention on replacing him at Chelsea.

Towering Belgium international Lukaku has been touted as the next 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 yesterday.

“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 admits to being star struck to be working alongside his new teammates 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 added: “I always said to my friends that one day I’d play for Chelsea. Now that I’m here it’s amazing. I’ve realised my dream.’’

Lukaku was joined yesterday by Oriol Romeu, who was lured away from Barcelona for £4.2 million earlier this month.

The 19-year-old defensive midfielder could challenge for a starting place with Michael Essien injured, but 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.

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.”

Meanwhile, Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala have reached an agreement with Inter Milan to sign Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o in a deal which will make him one of the world’s best-paid players.

Anzhi spokesman Alexander Udaltsov confirmed yesterday that the club will pay Inter €21m for the 30-year-old, who will earn €30m over his three-year contract.

A statement on the Russian club’s official website read: “Today an agreement was reached between the football clubs, Anzhi and Inter, for the transfer of Samuel Eto’o.

“The terms of the transfer are completely agreed on both sides.”

Udaltsov told BBC Sport: “The contract is €21m — €15m paid straight away and €6m more.

“Over the three years he’ll get around €30m.”

Udaltsov believes the deal represents good business.

“He’s a good player so of course he costs good money,” he said.

“Of course it’s a very good deal for our club. Samuel is very well known all over the world. We hope he can help our club reach our high ambition – playing in the Champions League and doing well in the Russian Premier Liga.

“This shows we have a real big ambition — not only talking.’’