Former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is looking to move his family away from Brussels district Molenbeek “as soon as possible” amid security fears in the capital.
The Belgian government has revealed that a major terrorist attack is being planned in the city, with armed troops patrolling the streets.
Operations have focused on Molenbeek, a district that has been linked to Islamists suspected of taking part in the Paris attacks. Lukaku owns a property in the area, which has been labelled “Jihadi central” and is keen to get his family out immediately.
The Everton forward told the Mirror: “I live in Brussels and I live where the police are doing a lot of things. I live in Molenbeek. I have had an apartment there for six years now and it is a nice neighbourhood.
“It is calm. But with the things happening there now it is a bit difficult. I never saw any trouble. But now we are going to move as soon as possible.”
Lukaku was part of the Belgium squad whose friendly against Spain last Tuesday was called off amid security fears and the 22-year-old admitted recent events had had a major impact on the national team.
“From the national team 30-40 players come from Brussels and a few others from Molenbeek,” said Lukaku.
“All of my family are over here. My brother doesn’t live in Brussels any more. Obviously we will try to move as soon as possible.
“You just want your family to be safe.”
