Romelu Lukaku made his debut for Fenerbahçe in the Champions League against Lyon, receiving a warm welcome from the Turkish fans. Although he didn't score, Lukaku displayed his usual predatory instincts and left a lasting impression. He also expressed his desire to return to Anderlecht.
Debut in Istanbul
Lukaku's debut in Istanbul was a spectacle. He entered the field after ten minutes of play and was met with a warm applause from the Turkish fans. This was no polite gesture; it was a fire that never strays far from Istanbul. Lukaku responded by making the familiar gesture of raising his fist towards the supporters, sealing his first connection with his new teammates.
For the match against Lyon, which featured two Belgian players, Malick Fofana and Lois Openda, Lukaku had to start on the bench as expected. However, from the bench, he could spot a familiar face: Mark van Bommel, the Belgian national team coach, was in the stands with a mission: to see Lukaku debut and perhaps make his first promise.
The Penalty Moment
The match was a thrilling affair, with both teams often flirting with their own limits and danger. Openda's strong performance kept the score level at 1-1 until the final ten minutes. Under loud applause, Lukaku finally made his first minutes for Fenerbahçe in the box.
He immediately went on the attack, as is his nature, looking for that key touch. Almost scoring on his debut was the dream scenario, one Lukaku had achieved multiple times in his career. He took a shot, but it was deflected off his opponent. In Turkey, they had seen a handball. Penalty? The stadium roared, but the referee remained silent.
The moment was a first taste, but it was clear that Lukaku's hunger was already visible. Istanbul had seen its new striker, and Lukaku had seen his future.
"I have to thank the supporters, because this was the craziest atmosphere of my career, " Lukaku said with amazement in his eyes after the final whistle. "This is really an incredible boost. It's very special to experience this."
And Lukaku, true to his nature, couldn't help but think of his other love: Anderlecht. "Look, I have now signed with 1+1 here and will give everything, " he told VTM. "After that, I will go home. And yes, I will still be fit, " he said with determination.
