Romelu Lukaku: It's time for me to play in the Champions League

Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has declared that he needs to play Champions League football next season, leaving his future at both Stamford Bridge and Everton in doubt, reports The Times.

The Belgian is currently on loan at The Toffees but with Roberto Martinez’s side facing an uphill battle to finish in the top four, he looks unlikely to remain on Merseyside past the end of the current campaign.

However, his willingness to play amongst the world’s best also hints at a reluctance to be sent out on loan again by parent club Chelsea.

“I’m turning 21, I’ve been a professional for five years already. It is time. It is high time that I play in the Champions League. It is the next step I need in my development. Full stop.

“Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were experienced already at that level when they were just 23-24 years old. I want to play Champions League football now. I must now show I’m ready for it. I still have two years on my contract and I know Chelsea follow my development. In the end it depends on what the manager [Jose Mourinho] thinks about me,” Lukaku declared.

The 20 year-old, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool, clearly has a burning desire to succeed at the top level and will be unhappy to return to west London as a bit part player having proved himself in the Premier league with West Brom and now Everton.

However, with Mourinho at the helm, Chelsea are believed to be in the market for a new forward to lead their front line, but the Portuguese does not appear to rate Lukaku. The powerful Belgian can do no more to prove his worth and if he is to develop further he must cut ties with the Blues if he feels undervalued.

While it is obvious why Lukaku is in a rush to play for a Champions League side, another season at Everton as their main striker would do him no harm either. He need look no further than another Chelsea cast off, Daniel Sturridge, who is flourishing away from West London but not playing in Europe’s top cup competition.

Romelu Lukaku has scored 26 goals in the Premier League since the 2012/13 season, more than double the total of 12 managed by Fernando Torres.