Henrikh Mkhitaryan praised his Inter Milan teammate Romelu Lukaku (Image: BT Sport)

Henrikh Mkhitaryan praised a “miracle” from Romelu Lukaku as Inter Milan beat Porto 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.

Lukaku, who is on loan at Italian club Chelsea, came off the bench on Wednesday night to score a winner in the 84th minute. After the match, he was questioned about his future and insisted he was only focused on the present.

Former Manchester United and Arsenal star Mkhitaryan praised the Belgium international for his influence on Inter’s crucial goal.

“It’s a very important result because it’s not easy to beat a team like Porto,” said Mkhitaryan.

“It wasn’t a fun game, we know it’s not over yet and we’re going to do everything we can to win there too.

“We know you don’t play in the Champions League every day and we are ready to join in when the going gets tough. We fought hard and were rewarded for our efforts.

“It was not an easy time before that [Lukaku]when he returned from injury and then re-injured himself.

“He is now proving that he is capable of miracles. We hope he can keep fit because he is a fundamental player for us whether he is in the starting eleven or comes on as a substitute.”

Lukaku has scored four goals in 14 appearances for Inter this season and the Serie A side are hoping to keep him at the club with a scheduled meeting with Chelsea to discuss his future.

After scoring in the victory over Porto, the 29-year-old said: “[I had] Good luck attacker! You have to be there at the right time, you know.

“I just work really hard. The last few months have been really hard for me and my career. The hardest months.

“I kept my head still and worked, worked, worked. Everything comes back into place.

“I haven’t spoken to anyone about my future. I’m just focusing on the present.”