"He wanted to come to Naples at all costs" - Conte reveals ex-Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku turned down several Premier League clubs over Napoli move
Napoli boss Antonio Conte has said that former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku had his mind set on joining the Partenopei. The Belgian spent the last two seasons on loan after falling out of favour at Stamford Bridge before joining his former Inter Milan boss Conte at Napoli on a permanent move this summer.
Lukaku, 31, arrived on a big-money move at the Blues in the summer of 2021 for his second stint at the club. But things didn't go as expected, with the striker managing only 15 goals and an assist in 44 games across competitions.
He spent the next season on loan back at the Nerazzurri and the 2023-24 campaign at AS Roma before moving to Napoli. Lukaku has had a decent start to life at the Stadio Diego Maradona, registering four goals and five assists in nine outings across competitions.
After he scored in the 2-0 Serie A win at AC Milan in midweek, Conte said about Lukaku's willingness to join Napoli (as per Tribal Football):
"There is great empathy with Romelu, he wanted to come to Naples at all costs, he even refused the Premier League to work together again. I can speak highly of him.
"I am lucky to have an exceptional group of guys. If you have guys ready to die sportingly speaking, you know you can have everything."
All four of Lukaku's goals and four of the five assists this season have come in eight outings in Serie A, where Conte's side are atop the standings, seven points clear of holders Inter Milan (18) who have a game in hand.
What's next for Chelsea?
Chelsea have had a good start to life under former Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca, who arrived at the helm this summer to take over from Mauricio Pochettino.
The Blues - who are fifth in the Premier League after nine games - next take on Newcastle United away in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday (October 30). Maresca's side are coming off a 2-1 home win over the Magpies in the Premier League at the weekend.
They return to league action at Manchester United on Sunday (November 3) as they look to break into the top-four. The Red Devils will be managed by interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy after Erik ten Hag faced the sack earlier this week following an underwhelming start to the season.