Romelu Lukaku made some very important statements about Napoli and his career. Below are the topics touched upon by Big Room.
Romelu Lukaku continues to play a leading role at home to Napoli. The Azzurri striker has managed to the sound of goals and plays to earn the love of the Neapolitan people. In fact, after arriving in Campania (thanks to Antonio Conte) the player immediately settled in great. In this regard, the Belgian gave a very important interview analyzing some key issues for himself and his club.
Lukaku: “Sogni? Godermi ogni partita. Il calcio mi ha cambiato la vita”
Romelu Lukaku, Napoli striker, gave a long interview to “FIFA conducted by Giuseppe Annarumma. The player celebrated 15 years of his international career. Below are his words about Napoli, Belgium and his professional career.
“I am so proud to represent my country. I started when I was 16 years old, I was very young. I enjoyed working with all the teammates and coaches I had over the years. It was really a great experience for me. Playing for your country is a great pride, which is why I always gave my best.”
On the first call-up: ” “I was at school when I received a message about the first call-up with the national team. The following Monday I went to school again and afterwards my father accompanied me to the national team training camp. I still remember the first meeting: it was with Vincent Kompany. I knew Moussa Dembelé because he was my cousin’s best friend. They were my reference points at the international level. I always believed that I could make it.”
On two iconic moments: “I think the best moment was the goal against Portugal because my brother served me the assist and it was really emotional. The worst moment without a doubt was the semifinal of the 2018 World Cup, I think it was for our whole country.”
On World Cup-related feelings: “Playing a World Cup means everything. You have to be patient; it’s played every four years. You never know what can happen and what can be your last World Cup. It would be nice to play a fourth World Cup next year, the goal is to win every game, win the qualifying group and maybe show up at the World Cup as an ‘outsider.’
A remembrance about the international career: “For me the best thing is how competitive we were with each other. All the moments I experienced with that group from 2016 to 2021 were the best. We were happy to compete with each other for the national team at the highest level. Now, however, I can say that we are returning to the same spirit again.”
Romelu Lukaku, then, also touched on a very emotional topic related to his past. Below the Blue spoke about his dreams as a child and beyond. Below are his words.
“As a child, I believed I would become what I am today. I never thought I would become the best in the world, but I believed I would become the best number 9 in Belgium of all time. I knew I was different from others and had a special mentality that I don’t allow my children to say ‘I can’t do something.’ They have to tell themselves, “I can.” That is the power of words, and you have to believe and pass that on to your children, as my parents did. To this day I would tell children not to listen to anyone and always do what you like.”
On the most important experience of his career: “I think the first years at Chelsea were both good and bad from a field point of view, because yes I was at Chelsea, however I also wanted to play. I shared the locker room with very important personalities, just think back to Lampard and beyond. We had had a difficult season, yet we won an FA Cup and the Champions League. The way those players prepared for those decisive moments I carried with me for the rest of my career. I am very grateful to them for all that. I also learned to communicate in different languages there.”
Finally, Romelu Lukaku then decided to devote a parenthesis to his current experience as well. The Belgian footballer spoke about Napoli and his relationship with Antonio Conte. Below are his words.
On arriving in Naples and the relationship with Mertens: “I was prepared well by Dries about Naples. We talk often, he is one of those important players even off the field. When I arrived here I already knew what to do. I am not one of those who goes out a lot but I always feel the warmth of Naples. The fans and the people give us an incredible boost, I appreciate their support so much.”
On the relationship with Conte: “Conte and I are simply honest with each other. He has ideas and plans that I already know. From a tactical point of view he knows that I am someone who studies matches a lot. I have been watching his matches for a long time, more or less since he inquired about me in 2013/14. He manages to take me mentally and physically to another level, and I like to give my full attention to his work. I think we make each other better. For me he is one of the best coaches around. One thing we have in common: the pursuit of victory, always. I like to think we are like Phil Jackson and Shaquille O’Neal.”
On the possible Scudetto: “We have given everything to win the championship, but it is certainly not easy. It depends on many factors, such as physical and mental. It has not been easy because we have also changed the way we play, but now is the time to be willing to sacrifice.”
On future dreams: “Now I just want to enjoy every goal I score and see where they take me.If the goals I score in the rest of my career bring me titles I will be very happy, because everything revolves around winning. I just want to feel good physically and enjoy the future, because soccer has changed my life and my family’s life.”
