ROMELU Lukaku says he is ready to take on all comers in his fight to be Chelsea’s top striker – even Samuel Eto’o and Wayne Rooney .
The big Belgian added that while he is not one to question team orders, he plans to make Fernando Torres’ number nine shirt his own.
The 20-year-old, whose early season form could earn him a start against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday, said competition to get in the side will only make him a better player.
“It’s something that I like, the competition,” said the forward.
“I never run away from the competition. It’s always good to have someone who can do the same thing as you because then you have to improve.”
But the striker, who came of age on loan at West Brom last season, said he will respect boss Jose Mourinho if he decides to keep him on the bench.
He said: “I’m a team player – as long as the team wins that’s all right. Sometimes you want to play more but the manager makes the choices and as a player you have to respect the choices.”
Asked about Fernando Torres’ shirt, he said: “It’s something that I’d like very much. But I’m my own player and I have time in front of me. I have to work as hard as I can and see what happens.”
And on the subject of even more competition up front, Lukaku had a very direct message for Mourinho’s number one transfer target, Rooney.
He said: “If he can improve the squad, why not? Every player wants to play and every team wants to be the best that there is, so if the player can improve us, why not?
United insist Rooney is not for sale and Chelsea have also been linked with Anzhi Makhachkala’s Cameroon star, Samuel Eto’o.
Lukaku said: “Samuel Eto’o or Wayne Rooney, I’m not scared, let them come!”
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