Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku said he was inspired by watching Michael Jordan's documentary "The Last Dance" ahead of his team's 2020 European Championship match against Portugal.
"When I saw 'The Last Dance' & Jordan talking about how he motivates himself, I thought to myself, 'I am not alone,'" the Belgian striker said on Friday.
Lukaku said watching the documentary about the Chicago Bulls made him realize that he draws inspiration in the same way that Jordan used criticism against him to become a better player & prove others wrong.
"I am not saying I am Michael Jordan, but as some people need it, I am not alone," Lukaku said through a translator. "Cristiano [Ronaldo] always wants to be the best & break all records, [Kilian] Mbappe always wants to win everything and be the next great. People need something to push themselves. I need that too "
Lukaku said that when he is criticized, or when people say someone is better than him, his first reaction is to "practice to improve and show what I can do."
Lukaku will take on Ronaldo on Sunday when Belgium take on Portugal in the European Championships round of 16.
Ronaldo has scored five goals at Euro 2020, two more than Lukaku. The Portugal forward has one goal from breaking the men's overall scoring record in international football. He is equal to former Iran striker Ali Dei with 109 goals.
Lukaku, 28, said he needed to "hat off" Ronaldo for his "impressive" career numbers.
"If there's anyone who can achieve those numbers, it's Ronaldo," Lukaku said. "It's an inspiration when you have someone in your league who can do it at that age. There's no reason why I can't try to reach that level or be as close as possible."
Lukaku plays for Internazionale in Serie A while Ronaldo, 36, is with Juventus, & said he should be considered one of the best forwards in world football.
"Over the years I have shown that I'm also a top-class player," he said. "That was one of my goals, & I think I've achieved it. I have improved a lot over the years."