Belgium coach defends Lukaku and aims dig at his former club Man Utd

September 9, 2019 By Ali M.

Topics: Roberto Martinez, Romelu Lukaku, Inter Milan, Manchester United, Belgium, Scotland, UEFA Euro Qualifying

Roberto Martinez spoke about Lukaku's move to Inter Milan ahead of the Red Devils' clash with Scotland.

Romelu Lukaku has begun life in Serie A extremely well and this has not gone unnoticed by Roberto Martinez’s, the attacker’s national team coach.

The Red Devils tactician spoke of the 26-year-old during a press conference ahead of the European giants' clash with Scotland. The coach had nothing but positive things to say about the former Man United forward who endured a horrible spell towards the end of his Old Trafford stay.

The former Everton goalscorer eventually ended his spell with the Premier League giants, leaving for Inter Milan over the summer. Since joining the Italian heavyweights, he has gone on to score in his first two games.

The forward would eventually criticize his former club, with Martinez even aiming a dig at Man United. The Spanish boss defended his forward, claiming that he’s happy as ever after parting ways with England’s Red Devils.

"This is the first time I have seen him free and happy,” Martinez said, as per Goal.

“Going back to many camps I have not seen Rom so focused, so happy, so refreshed by the new challenge," Martinez told reporters.

"I think he is now ready to face one of the biggest footballing chapters in his career with the Inter Milan move. And he is very driven to be as good as he can for the national team, so I have been very impressed with his happiness and the way he is looking forward to the football ahead."

Lukaku might have struggled last season but a place where he has always strived is with the national team. He is Belgium’s all-time leading scorer with 48 goals and will be aiming to add to this tally in their clash with Scotland.

Romelu did not feature in the 4-0 win over San Marino but could be back for Monday’s game. Belgium top their group with 15 points and boast a three-point lead over second-placed Russia while the Tartan Terries sit in fourth with only six points.