As soon as AS Roma agreed a deal to loan Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, excitement started to build around his return to Italy.
The striker is well-known in the country after his time at Inter Milan, and while he has yet to play for his new club, his display on Tuesday night against Estonia for Belgium has filled everyone with optimism.
In fact, there might be a bit too much excitement surrounding the Chelsea loanee’s display, because Corriere dello Sport go as far as headlining an article: ‘Lukaku, king of the goals like Pelé’.
The reason for that is the fact the forward has reached 77 goals for his country, doing so in 110 appearances, which is the same number of goals the legendary striker achieved for Brazil.
Admittedly, Pelé did so in 92 games for his country, but those are details Corriere dello Sport are willing to overlook.
The two goals scored by Lukaku against Estonia showcased what the Chelsea man is best at, the first a prime example of him running through on goal chasing through balls, while the second saw him use his body to turn his defender to get a shot off.
Corriere dello Sport describe the goals as ‘two thunderous roars, two sudden flashes in the Brussels night under the eyes of King Philippe’.
All of this is ‘great news’ for AS Roma, as he reached 77 goals, seen as ‘stronger exciting numbers, the same ones established by Pelé with Brazil’.
Technically, yes, but few, if any, will take the comparison seriously.
And a strong word of advice: don’t share this with any Brazilians.
