Speaking In an interview with Radio CRC, Napoli’s striker Romelu Lukaku opened up about his experiences in the Italian city, his relationship with manager Antonio Conte, and his thoughts on Serie A versus the Premier League.
Lukaku expressed his contentment with life in Naples, stating, “Napoli means a beautiful situation for me and my family, being in a city where the team is loved by the people. I’m having a lot of fun with my teammates and with those who give me advice on living in this beautiful city.”
The Belgian striker also shared insights into his football idols, mentioning Didier Drogba, Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Adriano, and Nicolas Anelka. He revealed that he had the opportunity to play with two of them and be coached by another in the national team.
Comparing Serie A to the Premier League, Lukaku noted, “Serie A is getting closer to the Premier League. I’ve been in England for nine years and now I’m in my fifth year in Italy. We must look at the results of Italian teams in European cups.” He highlighted the tactical superiority of Italian football, stating, “The difference between the leagues is that tactically we are much more advanced here.”
Lukaku spoke warmly about his relationship with Antonio Conte, describing him as perfect for his mentality and way of living football. He shared an anecdote about their time at Inter Milan, revealing, “When I arrived at Inter, we were doing running during training. That day I skipped a block of runs. He called me into his office and told me that if I did it again, I would be out of the squad.”
The striker also discussed the team’s preparation for their upcoming match against Atalanta, emphasizing the importance of being strong in every aspect of the game. He mentioned the team’s leaders, including Di Lorenzo, Anguissa, Meret, and Juan Jesus, and his own role in bringing the team together.
Off the field, Lukaku described himself as very calm, enjoying music, video games, and spending time with his children. He expressed his love for watching football, calling it his passion.
When asked about what has impressed him most about Naples, Lukaku humorously replied, “There are so many things to see, but I should take a day off to go to the city with my teammates and see everything. We’re so busy… maybe I’ll have to ask Di Lorenzo or Mazzocchi to help me.”
