• Premier League

Lukaku: I'll still be a Baggie next year

ESPN staff
November 28, 2012
Romelu Lukaku sees himself celebrating goals in a West Brom shirt until at least the end of next season © PA Photos
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Romelu Lukaku does not expect the appointment of Rafael Benitez to make any difference to his season-long loan deal with West Bromwich Albion and is not anticipating a recall to parent club Chelsea in January.

Chelsea have a recall option in the deal with Albion, and Benitez is exploring all options at Stamford Bridge as he looks to revive the career of Fernando Torres and convince hostile supporters he is the right man to replace Roberto Di Matteo.

Belgium international Lukaku has helped guide West Brom above Chelsea into the Champions League places - after failing to make an impact following his £18m arrival, and speaking to the Express & Star he said: "I don't think about the option. I am very happy to be here for one year.

"Hopefully, this season will end very well and we will see what happens in the future. After January, I am sure I will be at West Brom. I am very happy to know that in my head. Hopefully, I will do well for the rest of the season.

"I don't think things will change. I think he has his plans and I am happy with the team here. If I focus too much on Chelsea it wouldn't be good for me, so I will focus on being here. In my head, I am here for a year and it has to be clear I am here for a year and not for six months.

"I knew if I came here I would do my best for the team. Now we are above Chelsea and, hopefully, it will stay like that but you never know. We have to be focused on ourselves, we need to win game after game and look game after game and try to win everything that we can."

Lukaku could get his fourth Premier League start for Albion on Wednesday night if boss Steve Clarke chooses to rest leading scorer Shane Long after the Republic of Ireland international began from the off in Saturday's 4-2 win at Sunderland.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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