WATCH | 'Chris, stay strong - I love you': Belgium's Lukaku dedicates goals against Russia to Inter teammate

Lukaku gave Belgium an early lead, then shouted "Chris, Chris, stay strong -- I love you" into a pitchside camera during the celebration for his opening goal.
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku said he shed tears for Christian Eriksen before dedicating his two-goal haul. (Photo | AP)
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku said he shed tears for Christian Eriksen before dedicating his two-goal haul. (Photo | AP)

SAINT PETERSBURG: Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku said he shed tears for Christian Eriksen before dedicating his two-goal haul in Saturday's 3-0 win over Russia at Euro 2020 to his stricken Inter Milan team-mate.

"I am really happy with the win, but it was hard for me to play because my thoughts were with Christian Eriksen -- I dedicate this to him," said Lukaku, the man-of-the-match in Saint Petersburg.

Lukaku gave Belgium an early lead, then shouted "Chris, Chris, stay strong -- I love you" into a pitchside camera during the celebration for his opening goal.

Eriksen is recovering in hospital in Copenhagen after collapsing on the pitch during extraordinary scenes which overshadowed Denmark's 1-0 home defeat by Finland in Saturday's earlier Group B game.

In Saint Petersburg, Belgian substitute Thomas Meunier doubled Belgium's lead on 34 minutes before Lukaku put the result beyond doubt with a late second goal.

"I cried a few tears before the game," Lukaku revealed after the final whistle.

"I spent a lot of time with him," Lukaku said of Eriksen after the pair won the Serie A title with Inter last season. "My thoughts go to his wife and kids."

Lukaku has now scored 20 goals in his last 15 international games.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com