Romelu Lukaku, the acclaimed footballer, carries a deeply personal motivation every time he scores a goal – his beloved grandfather, who passed away when Lukaku was just 12 years old, long before his professional debut for Anderlecht at the age of 16.
In a heartfelt interview, Lukaku reveals the promise he made to his grandfather: to take care of his mother. With each goal he scores, Lukaku looks towards the sky, finding solace in knowing that he has fulfilled his promise. Emotion wells up in his voice as he expresses the significance of this tribute, saying, "I did it."
While Lukaku has achieved remarkable success in his career – becoming Belgium's all-time leading goalscorer, winning titles such as the FA Cup with Chelsea and the Serie A with Inter Milan – his greatest accomplishment lies in his dedication to his family.
For Lukaku, family is paramount, transcending victories and defeats on the football field. Reflecting on the profound impact his late grandfather had on his life, he becomes overwhelmed with emotion. "It doesn't matter, wins or losses, I take it in my stride; this is real family issues. So (my grandfather) meant the world to me," he confesses, tears streaming down his face.
Playing in the Champions League is the pinnacle for any club soccer player, and when asked what it would mean to his grandfather, Lukaku struggles to find the right words.
After a brief pause, he finally speaks, revealing the depth of their connection. "A lot," he says, attempting to articulate the emotions that have built up over almost two decades. "When I see my son, I see so much of him... My grandfather was my number one. He was my biggest fan."
Growing up in Belgium, Lukaku couldn't afford to watch the Champions League for ten years. Instead, he relied on school computers to catch glimpses of the finals or pretended to his classmates that he had seen them, all while wearing a smile that now reflects both triumph and resilience.
In Lukaku's journey, the opportunity to play in the Champions League final represents a profound moment. He acknowledges the significance it holds for his late grandfather and his family. "To be in this position now, to have my family there, it would be a beautiful thing because then it's like (full circle)," he shares, a mixture of gratitude and anticipation evident in his words.
Romelu Lukaku's story transcends the realm of football. It exemplifies the power of determination, the strength of familial bonds, and the fulfillment of promises. As he takes the field in the Champions League final, Lukaku carries not only his own dreams but the memory and love of his late grandfather, etching their shared legacy into the annals of sporting history.
