Romelu Lukaku has talked up his "special relationship" with Jose Mourinho after making an eye-catching start to his loan spell with Roma.
Throughout the summer transfer window, it was an open secret that the 30-year-old was eager to secure a transfer away from Chelsea.
As a result of potential moves to Inter Milan and Juventus failing to materialise, Lukaku eventually signed a season-long loan deal with another team in Serie A.
Much was made of the move, a consequence of the Belgium international's mixed loan stint at Inter during 2022-23 and his lack of a pre-season.
However, Lukaku has been sensational during his early weeks as a Roma player, contributing seven goals from his opening seven starts and one substitute outing in all competitions.
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Lukaku has only failed to score in two of his eight appearances, giving Roma supporters reason to be optimistic that they can get back into the race for a top-four spot in Italy's top flight.
Speaking to reporters after scoring a double against Genoa on Sunday evening, Lukaku acknowledged that he is enjoying working under Mourinho again after their previous stint together at Manchester United.
As quoted by The Mirror, Lukaku said: "I am a professional, I worked in the summer. Many people have talked about my condition, but I don't speak and I demonstrate (my ability) on the field.
He added: "As I have said in the past, the coach and I have a special relationship. He knows my family, he knows my children: he is someone I trust, as he has in me.
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"He is also tough, as other coaches have been in the past, but it's the only way I can grow as a player."
As it stands, Lukaku is due to return to Chelsea at the end of the season, despite the likelihood of not representing his parent club in the future.
Nevertheless, it is unclear whether Roma would be in a position to negotiate a permanent deal for the player, unless they are able to generate the necessary funds through the sales of other players.
Tammy Abraham - who is sidelined with a serious knee injury and has been replaced by Lukaku - is expected to be made available for transfer in January or next summer.
Darren Plant
