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Romelu Lukaku 'wasn't really appreciated' by Chelsea fans, claims Ashley Cole... but former left-back believes Belgium star's two loan spells at West Brom and Everton gave him 'self-belief' to prove himself

Chelsea fans did not 'really appreciate' Romelu Lukaku during his stint at Stamford Bridge, according to former left-back Ashley Cole.

Lukaku moved to the Blues from Belgian side Anderlecht a decade ago when he was just 18 years old in an initial £10million deal.

But the Belgium forward would only go on to make 15 senior appearances without scoring in west London, including a solitary start in the Premier League against Blackburn in May 2012.

Chelsea fans did not 'really appreciate' Romelu Lukaku (back), according to Ashley Cole (front)
Lukaku moved to the Blues from Anderlecht a decade ago but failed to score in 15 appearances

It was a different story for Lukaku when he went out on loan to West Brom during the 2012-13 season and to Everton in the following campaign, netting 17 league goals for the Baggies and 15 for the Goodison Park outfit.