Romelu Lukaku (32, Napoli) confessed the truth about his two transfers to big clubs. He claimed he was labeled the 'villain' at Chelsea and revealed that his decision to join Manchester United was not one he wanted at that time. Lukaku strongly criticized the complex interests surrounding agents, clubs, and the media in this process.
According to a report by the UK 'Mirror' on the 3rd (Korea time), Lukaku, currently with Serie A's SSC Napoli, stated in a recent interview, "After playing against Inter Milan in the Champions League final in 2023, I returned to Chelsea. I asked for another chance in the first team, but Chelsea pushed me into the reserve team."
He continued, "However, what was reported in the media was that 'Lukaku wants to transfer.' That is not true. I did not want to leave."
Lukaku suspected that not only Chelsea turned their back on him, but they also intentionally created a narrative through the media that 'Lukaku is the problem.' He criticized the club's 'distortion of facts' by stating, "Chelsea used the media to make me look like the bad guy."
These remarks hint at the background of the 'noise' that followed his quick loan to Italy after returning to Chelsea, leading to moves through Inter Milan and Roma to Napoli. Lukaku is indicating that the main reason for his transfer was not merely issues of performance but a breakdown of trust that stemmed from his relationship with the club.
He also revealed that a decision was made during his transfer to Manchester United that was contrary to his wishes. Lukaku recalled, "Originally, I had told everyone I was going to Chelsea. But then suddenly, taxes Mourinho called and said, 'Manchester United made an offer,' and my agent at the time, Mino Raiola, persuaded me."
Lukaku said, "When I returned from vacation, I found that the agreement with Everton was already completed. I told Raiola, 'This is not what I wanted,' and from then on, I resolved to make all decisions for myself."
In this process, Lukaku also expressed doubts about the agent system. He stated, "In fact, it all started in 2014. I joined Everton then, but Juventus, Wolfsburg, and Atletico Madrid were also possibilities. However, when I looked at the contract, I felt something was off, and then various issues emerged." He added, "After that, Kevin De Bruyne also faced similar problems after his transfer to Manchester City."
Lukaku is currently under contract with Napoli until 2027 and is set to reunite with his Belgium national team colleague De Bruyne at Napoli next season. He expressed anticipation by saying, "I’ve talked with De Bruyne several times, and he explained the system at Napoli. He is essential for our team to take the next step."
Lukaku, who honestly confessed that there were 'decisions different from his own wishes' during the two transfers, declared that he would continue his career based solely on his own judgment from now on.
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