CARSON, Calif. – Jelle van Damme is feeling like a proud papa these days.
Back in 2009, Van Damme noticed the teenager’s talent and took a young 16-year-old Romelu Lukaku under his wing when the Belgian teenager entered the Anderlecht first team. Now nearly nine years later, the two will meet again after Lukaku joined Manchester United after an impressive stint with Everton.
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Van Damme’s Galaxy will take on Lukaku’s Manchester United on Saturday at StubHub Center. The 24-year-old striker is not scheduled to play, but Van Damme is overjoyed to see his old teammate move to one of the greatest clubs in the world.
“Romelu was with me at Anderlecht when he came to the first team. He was like my son. You can ask him. I took care of him, and I still keep in touch with him. I saw him last week when he was here on his holiday, and we talked about his switch to Man U,” Van Damme said. “I’m glad for him. It’s a good club for him, and he’s a good asset for Man United. I’m excited for him.
“He was only 16 when he came on the first team at Anderlecht. He was already a big guy, and he only got bigger, which you have to be if you want to play in the Premier League. He’s a beast, and he’s a great kid as well. He has his qualities, and he proved it at Everton and with the national team.”
The two men have stayed in contact with the Belgian striker meeting up with Van Damme and his future teammate Paul Pogba in Hollywood. Although Lukaku won't be on the field on Saturday, Van Damme is proud of his "son" and his move to Manchester.
"I just took care of him. I’m a social guy, and I take care of people. We grew up in the same area, and we clicked from the first time," Van Damme said "He’s one of the guys who doesn't get along with everyone, but we always got along. He’s always kept his feet on the ground and kept working.
"He works hard and all credit to him for his transfer."
