Romelu Lukaku has revealed that he offered an apology to Antonio Conte before undertaking individual training in Belgium back in April. While expressing his deep appreciation for Napoli, the Belgian striker also conveyed his hope of working under Conte again in the future.
Lukaku’s 2025-26 season was significantly hampered by a severe pre-season muscle injury that kept him sidelined for several months, limiting his playing time for Napoli to just under 60 minutes.
Despite these setbacks, the seasoned forward has been included in the Belgium squad for the 2026 World Cup.
“It will be a different World Cup. We’ll go with a new generation, a generation that wants to show its worth to the world,” Lukaku shared with Sky Sport. He emphasized the importance of each player understanding their role and contribution to the team’s success, stating, “Conversations between us will be crucial. Nobody should prioritise their personal interest and focus on the team’s good.”
Lukaku also commented on the absence of Italy from the World Cup, noting, “A lot of people talk about the Italian national team. Surely, it’s a shame.” He added, “I play in Italy, and I want to see Italy at the World Cup and compete against it because it’s a country that has made history in football. Surely, for us players, it’s a pity they are not there, but I’m sure a solution will be found for the national team, and I’m sure you’ll get back to the top of the world.”
Napoli secured a Champions League spot but saw Conte depart after two seasons. Lukaku acknowledged the team’s objective: “For Napoli, it was important to finish in the top four. Surely, we wanted to compete for the Scudetto, but credit to Inter, who deserved to win the title.” He also commented on other Serie A teams, saying, “Roma in Champions is nice, I’m happy for them, surely. Their fans deserve it. Two top sides [Juventus and Milan] have not qualified for the Champions League, but other teams deserved to qualify instead; this is football.”
With his contract at Napoli running until June 2027, Lukaku indicated his desire to stay at the club. He stated, “I still have a year left in my contract at Napoli. They gave me the chance to show I was not dead, and I’ll always thank the coach first, and then the club, for trusting me. Now, I’ll focus on the national team, and then we’ll see.” He further elaborated on his feelings towards the club, “People say many things, but I want to say that I’m really happy here. Napoli gave me an opportunity when many said I was dead. They gave me their hand, and I’ll forever be grateful.”
Lukaku’s temporary absence from the team between March and April, due to individual training in Belgium without the club’s consent, caused friction with both Conte and the club. Initially, he faced disciplinary action, including fines, but the club eventually permitted his physical preparation in Belgium. Lukaku has not featured competitively for Napoli since March 6, returning to Naples only three weeks prior to the interview.
Addressing the situation with his coach, Lukaku said, “We [he and Conte] spoke before I returned to Belgium. I apologised, and he understood my situation. Not being able to help the team physically was very tough for me. He even told me he didn’t see me as he used to. We were very honest with each other. I will always be grateful to him; there’s nothing bad I can say about him. I can say he created the player I am today. He’s a coach who has always believed in me, and I’ll always be grateful.”
Concluding the interview with a smile, Lukaku expressed his future hopes: “I hope that, if he needs me in the future, he’ll call me to play under him again, let’s see.”
