The confetti had barely settled over Naples following their momentous Serie A Scudetto triumph, yet the echoes of celebration carried a deeper resonance for one man: Romelu Lukaku. For him, this wasn`t merely another title; it was a deeply personal vindication, a robust retort to those who, not long ago, had `given him up for dead`.
Romelu Lukaku is not just a footballer; he`s a presence, a force of nature who commands the stage with his sheer physicality and unwavering conviction. While the disappointments of the past linger in his memory, his spirit remains indomitable, fixed on a singular objective: victory. This `winning mentality` is precisely what propelled Napoli to claim the coveted Scudetto in their very first season together.
The Architect of Revival: Conte`s Guiding Hand
Behind this remarkable resurgence stands Antonio Conte, a coach often described as Lukaku`s `footballing father`. Their synergy is palpable, built on a shared philosophy: relentless work begets improvement. “He has a footballing idea that suits my characteristics,” Lukaku explains, “and I, when I`m home, try to learn the concepts of the game he wants. Our relationship has always worked because he knows how to give me the motivation every day to always try to be the strongest.” This powerful bond, previously forged at Inter, has once again yielded glittering results, proving that some partnerships are simply destined for greatness.
Lukaku also shed light on Kevin De Bruyne`s arrival at Napoli, downplaying his own role: “Very little. Just two very simple calls. I explained to him what it means to play here, that we are a team that wants to improve and confirm ourselves for next year. It will be a great challenge, but he likes challenges.” A testament to the collaborative, yet humble, spirit within the squad.
Evolution of a Striker: From Reactive to Altruistic
When asked to compare the Romelu Lukaku who arrived at Inter in 2019 to the player he is today, a distinct evolution emerges. “I`m more experienced, for sure,” he states. “And I do a lot of tactical work at home: I watch opposing teams, I have more control over what happens, and I see the action before it arrives. Before, I was more reactive, more dynamic.” Gone is the purely reactive, dynamic force of old; in its place, a more calculating, `altruistic` player has emerged, as evidenced by his increasing assist count. “When I arrived in Italy, I looked more at myself,” he admits, revealing a profound shift in perspective.
The Sweet Taste of Vindication
Was Napoli truly his `revenge`? “People had doubts about me, but I was convinced we would do something special,” he declared. The emotion of winning the title, especially in a neck-and-neck race against his former club, Inter, added an extra layer of sweetness. “It would have been the same against Milan or Juve,” he insists, highlighting that the victory`s true value lay in the arduous journey. “We fought until the last second. The last three weeks were super stressful, with positive and negative emotions mixing, up and down like a rollercoaster. That`s why it was even more beautiful.”
The memory of the Champions League final loss with Inter still stings, a bitter pill he “lived very badly for a year.” But instead of dwelling, he chooses to channel that energy: “I haven`t been able to say my piece (about Inter, ed.), I let people talk because I`m not one who likes to go through the press and attack, I prefer to react on the field. Now, we look forward; we are back in the Champions League: let`s enjoy it.” A pragmatic, yet powerful, response to lingering grievances.
Beyond the Pitch: Growth, Family, and Legacy
At 32, with the undisputed status of a top player, Lukaku firmly believes there`s still room for improvement. “Of course, we have the tools to do even more. I have a gym at my house.” He looks to the longevity and excellence of players like Messi, Ronaldo, and Lewandowski, but singles out Karim Benzema, who won the Ballon d`Or after turning 32, as his prime example. “You have to look forward with the right mentality. LeBron James says it too.” When the topic of his past altercation with Zlatan Ibrahimovic arises, Lukaku dismisses it with a respectful nod: “It`s not necessary. But I have respect for his career: he was a unique player.”
His personal journey, marked by early struggles, fuels his drive. Recalling the stark memory of his mother mixing water with milk to make ends meet, he reflects with pride: “I am the man I wanted to become. I gave my whole family the opportunity to go to school and university.” His family`s presence at his triumphs, particularly his mother holding the Scudetto trophy, represents the ultimate revenge. “Even in suffering, as an adult, she always pushed me: `remember where we come from`. Growing up, I often think about what I went through, and something clicks, it gives me energy: I don`t want my children to relive what I lived.”
Now a doting father – though admitting it`s “very difficult for me to be strict with them” – his focus on family stability is clear. “They are well now, they already speak three languages at 3 and 7 years old. And I`m happy because even in football, I have everything: I`m in the right team, with the right coach, at the right club. You can see that Napoli is also making great strides forward every year.”
On the persistent issue of racism, Lukaku expresses a quiet weariness. “It`s complicated to talk about it every time. One should do more than just talk.” His actions, both on and off the field, speak volumes.
The Goal of Vengeance and Neapolitan Charm
The goal against Cagliari, a powerful, surging run capped with a nutmeg and a fierce, liberating celebration, perfectly encapsulated his season. “There was also a bit of technique, eh, I did a nutmeg – he laughs again –. It was angry because everyone had given me up for dead, for three years they had crucified me. Then, in the end, winning that way, with the coach who also had a cross put on him after Tottenham, was beautiful.” This was the moment he wept, shedding “an incredible weight.”
“Winning once happens. Doing it twice means being a winner. Now we start again, let`s see what else we can add to the trophy cabinet,” he asserts. Despite speaking six languages, he finds Neapolitan challenging, though he adores the local greetings: “I love when they say `we, guagliù!` in the morning… It drives me crazy, I write it to all my friends.” Napoli, it seems, has truly entered his soul.
