Romelu Lukaku, Napoli striker, spoke to the microphones of Radio CRC, giving fans an intimate and detailed look at his Neapolitan experience, his bond with Antonio Conte and the challenges of Italian football.
In a thought-provoking interview, the Belgian striker expressed his gratitude for the welcome he received in the city and shared his thoughts on his professional moment. “Naples is a very nice situation for me, both for me and for my family. Living in a city where the team is loved by the people is something special. I am having a lot of fun, both with my teammates and with those who help me live in this wonderful city. The results help, we play well and the standings prove it,” Lukaku declared. “Here I have found stability, and my family feels at home.”
Lukaku, with his experience in Serie A and the Premier League, highlighted the differences between the two championships: “Serie A is getting closer and closer to the Premier League. If we look at the results in European competitions, Italian teams have shown a lot. Fiorentina, Roma, Atalanta, Napoli and Inter have done great things. The difference? Economically, but tactically here we are much more advanced.”
Conte, the mentor who makes the difference
An important chapter in his career is the relationship with Antonio Conte: “Everyone knows his value as a coach and a person. I can open up to him, he understands me deeply. He is always attentive to details, both in defense and offense. I like this responsibility: it makes you a winner. I remember an episode at Inter: after a training session I missed a block of runs, he called me into the office and told me that if I did it again I would end up out of the squad. Psychologically it was a huge stimulus. Even here in Naples it was special to find him again.”
Looking ahead to the match against Atalanta, Lukaku said: "It will be a tough match, they are strong and we are as well. Every match is a final, we must be complete in every aspect: mental, physical, with and without the ball. Gasperini is a great coach, it will be a challenge for the fans."
Among the secrets of Naples, according to Lukaku, there is the unity of the team: “Di Lorenzo, Anguissa, Meret and Juan Jesus are important leaders. I try to be the glue, I speak many languages and I want everyone to feel part of the group. Di Lorenzo is doing a great job off the pitch too, organizing dinners and moments together.” Speaking about the city, the Belgian striker does not hide his desire to explore it: “There are so many things to see, but time is short. I need to take a day off to visit the city and maybe the islands. Di Lorenzo and Mazzocchi will definitely help me.”
Article published on 15 January 2025 - 19:12
