London, March 2 (IANS) Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has shown frustration by asking to be loaned out in the summer after being continuously overlooked for a starting position by manager Andre Villas-Boas.
The 18-year-old was bought from Anderlecht last summer for a whopping 18 million pounds. He is yet to score for the club and has made just 10 appearances. The Belgian is behind Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and Daniel Sturridge in the pecking order.
Belgium coach Georges Leekens has given the youngster an ultimatum for his peripheral role under Villas-Boas. Leekens told Lukaku he needs to start playing if he wants to be a starter for Belgium.
Many suitors are already in line to take Lukaku on a season loan deal. Among them Bolton Wanderers and Fulham are the favourites.
Bolton boss Owen Coyle believes his relationship with Villas-Boas could count in his favour, though Fulham’s interest is backed by their close proximity to Stamford Bridge.
“I will head back to Chelsea with the advice of Leekens in my mind,” Lukaku was quoted as saying by Daily Mail after Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Greece.
“We had a long talk, and his words made me think. He told me I have to play if I want to be selected for the national team in the future. I want to be the number one striker for Belgium, but the problem is, the others are playing for their club sides, while I am not.”
“Something has to change. I’ve progressed as a player since I arrived at Chelsea, because I am training with the best players in the world. But I miss the atmosphere in the stadium and the support of the public,” he added.
