Romelu Lukaku has claimed he was forced to change in the youth dressing rooms at Chelsea during his ill-fated second spell at the club.
- Lukaku returned to Chelsea in 2021
- Struggled to get going in second spell
- Left permanently to join Napoli
WHAT HAPPENED?
Lukaku returned to Chelsea in 2021, becoming the club's then-record signing for a staggering £98 million ($136m) fee. He played just 26 Premier League games, however, scoring eight goals, and was subsequently shipped out on loan, first to Inter, and then to Roma. He joined Napoli last summer.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Now, the Belgium international has lifted the lid on his nightmare spell in west London, claiming that he was forced to change in the youth dressing rooms, and has also accused the Blues of trying to tarnish his image in the media.
WHAT LUKAKU SAID
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, he said: "I wasn't alone at Chelsea. [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang and [Hakim] Ziyech were also out of the project. They made us change in the youth locker room. It’s business, the club tells you it doesn’t want you anymore and often also where you’ll end up. But if you want to leave, even for serious reasons, you don’t have the option. They drag it out until the last moment, they wear you down.
"Clubs have relationships with the media, and it doesn’t take much to put a player in a difficult position or create the wrong image. Believe me, I’ve seen things I never thought I would. One day, I’d like to explain all of this to younger players, who is really working for them and who is working against them."
WHAT NEXT?
Lukaku has scored nine goals for Napoli in Serie A this season and will next be in action when they face Fiorentina this weekend.
Mourinho breaks silence on Portugal links amid Fenerbahce uncertaintyJose Mourinho has reacted to speculation over the Portugal job but stopped short of committing his future to current club Fenerbahce.Mourinho said: "Yes, I can deny that I had any meeting with the Portuguese Football Federation. I am a loyal person."Arsenal and Chelsea tracking Newcastle's GordonBoth Arsenal and Chelsea are repor...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Enzo Maresca now The Arsenal of Italy When you see it… Arteta really thinks this. The difference The last time Man United won a European Trophy was when they played against… Andre Onana! James Maddison had a big night Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC...
Kyle Walker's decline led to him being cast aside by Pep Guardiola, before he joined AC Milan in January. Since then, it has been Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis that have operated at right-back, but Man City are keen for a specialist to be brought in during the summer. And they have now set their sights on one of the Premier League's brightest talents.Man City identify Tino Livramento as leading rig...
Alejandro Garnacho is increasingly likely to leave Manchester United this summer, sources have told ESPN, after he was named on the bench for the Europa League final.United and Garnacho's representatives are expected to have a meeting in the coming days to discuss the Argentina international's exit during the summer transfer window, a source told ESPN.The player is unhappy with the role he has pla...
Liverpool have received a major boost in their pursuit of Florian Wirtz, with Bayern Munich believing the playmaker will not be joining them and is on track for a move to Anfield if he leaves Bayer Leverkusen this summer.Wirtz has been targeted by both clubs but is believed to favour Liverpool — although they would still need to agree a deal with Leverkusen, which is not a formality given th...
Fernandes told to make mind up over £200m Al-Hilal moveAl-Hilal have reportedly warned Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes to make a quick decision over a huge £200 million ($271m) move to Saudi Arabia.Barca could bid farewell to Torre in final La Liga gameYoung midfielder Pablo Torre's future is currently uncertain, and he could play his final game for the Catalans against Athletic C...
DONE DEAL? Al Sadd reach pre-contract terms with Barcelona midfielder PrimAl Sadd have clinched an agreement with Barcelona midfielder Pau Prim.The 19 year-old prospect comes off contract at the end of next month and Mundo Deportivo says Qatar's Al Sadd have agreed a pre-contract with the youngster.Prim will move to the Middle East in a Bosman transfer.The midfielder follows the path of Barca lege...
Atletico Madrid planning shock Real Madrid raid for RodrygoAtletico Madrid are eyeing a shock raid on Real Madrid for unhappy attacker Rodrygo Goes.Rodrygo is unsettled and unhappy at Real, convinced he will never receive the recognition he believes he deserves for what he has achieved with the club.As such, Rodrygo and his agents are considering their options, with talks with Manchester City havi...
McKenna reveals Liam Delap will leave this summer: We've given him the permission...Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has confirmed that striker Liam Delap will leave the club this summer and he fully supports his decision.The England Under-21 striker will be free to leave Portman Road for just 330m this summer after the Tractor Boys were relegated to the Championship. Delap has scored 12 goals ...
1. FC Heidenheim 1846 v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - BundesligaJonathan Tah and Bayern Munich have reached an agreement that will see the defender join the Bundesliga champions on a free transfer.WHAT HAPPENED?Tah will complete a long-awaited move to Vincent Kompany's side from Bayer Leverkusen when his contract expires this summer, with Sky Sport reporting a deal has been struck. According to Fabrizio R...
- 1 Mikel Arteta ready to give his life to deliver silverware for Arsenal
- 2 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 3 Chelsea beat Manchester United in FA Cup final to seal domestic treble
- 4 Mikel Arteta apologises for failing to deliver Arsenal a Premier League title
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 Dele Alli’s girlfriend Cindy sets pulses racing in barely
- 7 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 8 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 9 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves
- 10 Liverpool considering transfer swoop