Micah Richards is backing Romelu Lukaku to be a success for Chelsea in the Premier League this season following his permanent move from Inter Milan.
Lukaku signed for a club record £97.5million last Thursday, and as one of the world’s most in-form strikers in recent years, many have tipped him for success in his second stint at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to BBC 5 Live, Richards said: "He is an amazing player and I think he will absolutely rip it up [at Chelsea]."
Before the arrival of Thomas Tuchel in January, no-one predicted the Blues to end up having a season like they did last campaign, one which memorably ended in Champions League victory.
Now with Lukaku leading the line, Richards thinks that they will go on to surprise some more people with their performances.
"Last year I didn't think Chelsea had a chance of winning the league, but then they go and win the Champions League," he said.
Meanwhile, Lukaku could be handed his second debut at the Emirates stadium this Sunday afternoon as Chelsea travel to face Arsenal, but in the meantime, he can focus on homing in on his new role at the club.
Because of an enforced isolation period as a result of his arrival in the country last week, the prolific frontman had to watch from home as the Blues won their first Premier League game of the season on Saturday afternoon, defeating London rivals Crystal Palace 3-0 after goals from Marcos Alonso, Chrsitian Pulisic and Trevoh Chalobah.
However, Lukaku is confident that he will hit the ground running this time around.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, he said: “I can play as a two or by myself and I’m used to the system because it’s what we play with the Belgian national team so I don’t need much time to adapt.
“It’s just knowing the strengths of my team-mates in important positions and knowing what we do off the ball, then I can do the rest.”
