Lukaku’s Bittersweet Return to Chelsea
Romelu Lukaku has candidly detailed his experiences leading up to his departure from Chelsea in an interview with Corriere dello Sport. The Belgian striker, now 31, made a high-profile return to Stamford Bridge in 2021 for a staggering £97.5 million transfer from Inter Milan. This move marked a significant comeback for Lukaku, who had initially left Chelsea seven years prior. Despite a promising start, his time at the club was marred by a dramatic downturn in form and a controversial interview that revealed his dissatisfaction. These issues quickly led to him falling out of favor with the team and management.
A Frozen Striker
Lukaku’s situation at Chelsea took a particularly harsh turn when he was seemingly frozen out of the squad. He shared in the interview that he wasn’t the only one to face this fate, mentioning teammates Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Hakim Ziyech, who were also sidelined. The striker explained that he and his colleagues were made to change in the youth locker room, a clear indication of their marginalization within the team. "It’s business," Lukaku stated, reflecting on how the club often dictates a player’s future, sometimes even specifying where they might end up next. "If you want to leave, even for serious reasons, you don’t have the option. They drag it out until the last moment, they wear you down."
Media Influence and Misinterpretation
Lukaku also highlighted the significant role that media influence can play in shaping a player’s career and public image. He emphasized that clubs often have close relationships with the media, which can be leveraged to create unfavorable perceptions of players. "Believe me, I’ve seen things I never thought I would," he said, expressing a desire to share these insights with younger players to help them navigate the complexities of professional football. "One day, I’d like to explain all of this to younger players, who is really working for them and who is working against them."
Public Perception and Personal Integrity
Throughout his time at Chelsea, Lukaku faced a barrage of criticism, particularly regarding his work ethic. "In England they had the wrong idea. For them I was lazy, but I never reacted to the attacks," he confided. Lukaku’s approach was to focus on his job and maintain a low profile, shunning the temptation to engage in public disputes. "I am someone who does his job and then goes home," he added, underlining his commitment and professionalism. In contrast, his reputation in Italy has been completely transformed. Here, he is seen as a hard worker, and he believes he is performing better than he did at Inter Milan.
New Beginnings at Napoli
Lukaku’s journey took a new and positive turn when he completed a permanent transfer to Napoli last summer for £38 million. Seven months into his tenure at the Italian club, the striker has found the form and confidence that seemed elusive at Chelsea. He has already scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 27 appearances for Napoli this season, showcasing his value and adaptability. This resurgence in performance has not only benefited Napoli but also allowed Lukaku to rebuild his reputation and career in a more supportive environment.
Reflecting on the Past and Looking Forward
Despite the challenges he faced at Chelsea, Lukaku remains reflective and forward-looking. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons about the business side of football and the importance of maintaining one’s integrity and focus. As he continues to excel at Napoli, Lukaku’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the resilience required to overcome adversity. His openness about the difficulties at Chelsea also provides a candid look into the behind-the-scenes dynamics that often shape a player’s career trajectory.
