Romelu Lukaku, now playing in Italy for Napoli, has had a football career filled with highs and lows across Belgium, England, and Italy. His journey has been marked by moments of brilliance as well as struggles that have shaped him into one of the top strikers in the world. Though his time in England brought some challenges, Lukaku has continued to prove his critics wrong in Italy, showcasing his true potential.
Lukaku’s Time in England
Lukaku’s stint in England was one of the most eventful phases of his career. He spent time at Chelsea and Manchester United, where expectations were high, but his performances often faced criticism. His most memorable spells came during his loan periods at West Bromwich Albion and Everton, where he thrived and showed glimpses of his immense talent.
According to a report from 9am News, Lukaku shared that his struggles in England stemmed from the expectations placed on him to emulate Didier Drogba, a fellow Chelsea legend. Many believed that, because of his physical presence, he should play as a hold-up striker, a role that didn’t suit his style of play.
“The problem in England,” Lukaku stated, “was that they were trying to put me in the box because of my physique, thinking I’ll be the next Didier Drogba, who could hold up play no matter where he got the ball. That wasn’t my style of play.”
Lukaku on the English Media
Lukaku also addressed the scrutiny he faced from the English media, which often critiqued his performances harshly. Reflecting on his time in the Premier League, he recalled the negative narratives that followed him:
“I remember the chronicles of the media about me when I was in England: ‘he’s lazy, he doesn’t work hard, he’s not a leader, his first touch is poor, he cannot hold the ball, he is not a top player.’”
Despite the criticisms, Lukaku continued to persevere, refusing to let the media’s opinion define his career.
Success in Italy
While his time in England may have been difficult, Lukaku found a resurgence in his career after returning to Italy. His time at Inter Milan and AS Roma restored his confidence and confirmed his status as one of the world’s best strikers. His recent move to Napoli continues to build on that success, allowing him to showcase his true footballing abilities.
Italy has allowed Lukaku to thrive in a system that complements his strengths, proving that his struggles in England were not a reflection of his talent, but rather a mismatch of expectations and playing style.
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