Former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse has given his endorsement of Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.

Lukaku, who spent last season on loan with Inter Milan, is currently on loan with Roma.

Lukaku has impressed at Roma, with 17 goals in 35 games, producing 10 goals across 26 Serie A games, while in the Europa League he has scored seven times in nine appearances.

Lukaku was signed by Chelsea for £97m in 2022, but the Belgian spent only a season at Stamford Bridge, falling out with then manager Thomas Tuchel.

Lukaku was also criticised by Chelsea fans and Premier League pundits at the time. He’d then return to Serie A, where he has continued to impress.

Former Premier League forward Cisse has issued a defence of Lukaku as he told DH Net: “Very much so [I like him as a player].

“He’s a great player who scores goals wherever he goes. He’s often been criticised but mentally he’s a strong guy. It seems that criticism makes him better and that’s very strong.”