Henrikh Mkhitaryan hailed a ‘miracle’ from Romelu Lukaku as Inter Milan defeated Porto 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.
Lukaku, on loan at the Italian club from Chelsea, came off the bench to net a 84th-minute winner on Wednesday night and speaking after the match he was quizzed about his future, insisting that he only remains focused on the present.
Former Manchester United and Arsenal star Mkhitaryan hailed the Belgium international striker for his impact in what was a crucial goal for Inter.
‘It is a very important result, because beating a side like Porto is not easy,’ Mkhitaryan said.
‘It wasn’t a pretty game, we know it’s not over and we will do everything we can to win there too.
‘We know that you don’t play the Champions League every day and we are ready to step up when it is tough. We fought hard and were repaid for our efforts.
‘It was not an easy time for [Lukaku], as he returned from an injury and then got hurt again.
‘He is proving now that he is capable of miracles. We hope he can stay fit, because he is a fundamental player for us, whether he starts or comes off the bench.’
Lukaku has registered four goals across 14 games for Inter this season and the Serie A side are hoping to keep him at the club with a meeting with Chelsea planned to discuss his future.
Speaking after his goal in the win over Porto, the 29-year-old said: ‘[I had] striker’s luck! You have to be there at the right time, you know.
‘I just work hard. The last few months have been very difficult for me and my career. The most difficult months.
‘I kept my head calm and just worked, worked, worked. Everything is coming back into place.
‘I haven’t spoken to anybody about my future. I’m just focusing on the present.’
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