Lukaku rubbishes talk transfer speculation has affected form

Rob Conlon

Romelu Lukaku has dismissed suggestions that the recent speculation surrounding his Everton future is to blame for his slow start to the season.

Toffees striker Lukaku was heavily linked with a return to former club Chelsea over the summer but ultimately stayed put at Goodison Park.

The 23-year-old has failed to score this season, but blames a heel injury suffered in pre-season.

When asked whether the speculation is to blame for his recent struggles, he told Sky Sports: “Not at all. I left it all to my agent, he dealt with it.

“I just went on holiday and when I came back the last game before the season started I had an injury. It kept me out for a long time. I couldn’t do anything with it.

“So now for me it’s just my pre-season phase so I’m working really hard to be 100 per cent fit. As soon as I’m fit the goals will come for sure.”

Lukaku has also rubbished talk that he is unhappy with the appointment of former Everton boss Roberto Martinez as Belgium manager.

The forward was pictured animated on Everton’s bench when news of Martinez’s appointment broke.

“You are on the bench you cannot focus on stuff happening outside the pitch,” he said.

“I don’t know how people get stuff like that it’s really crazy.”