Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has revealed the special promise made to his late grandfather he's been able to fulfill.

Ahead of Belgium's World Cup opener today against Panama, Lukaku recalled his tough beginnings.

He told HLN: "When I was twelve, I scored 76 goals in 34 games. I made all those goals with my father's boots. Not much later my grandfather called my mother's father. When I told him about my great season, he reacted less elated than usual.

"'Very good Romelu. But can you do me a favor,' he asked. 'Of course, what is it?' I responded. 'Can you watch my daughter, please. Promise me.' 'On mum? OK. I promise.' He died five days later.

"It made me so sad. I wanted him to live for at least four years because he could see me playing at Anderlecht. From the age of sixteen on I could become a professional football player."

Lukaku added: "I want to call my grandfather one more time. Then I would say, 'Your daughter is fine. There are no more rats in the apartment. We do not sleep on the ground anymore. There is no more stress. And they do not have to check our identity card anymore. They know our name'."