“They see someone built like me and think: new Drogba” - Ex-Chelsea and Manchester United star Romelu Lukaku accuses clubs of putting him ‘in a box’
Former Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku has hit out at the club for limiting him in 'a box' as far as his style of play is concerned. As per a social media post from journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Belgian international told podcast channel Friends of Sports:
"In England, they wanted to put me in a box. They see someone built like me and think: new Drogba. I'm not like that. Didier was more back to goal, he could hold up the ball no matter where you play it in from. That wasn't my style."
“The narratives when I was in England was 'he’s lazy, he doesn’t work hard, he’s not a leader, he’s selfish, first, he cannot hold a ball, blah blah blah.' I played two years at Inter, 'he's back to goal, he’s the best player in the world, he’s top 5,'” he added (via OneFootball).
Romelu Lukaku first came to England back in 2011 and signed for Chelsea. He spent the next two seasons (2012-13 and 2013-14) on loan at West Bromwich Albion and Everton, respectively. He signed a permanent contract at Everton in 2014.
In 166 appearances for the Toffees, Lukaku registered 87 goals and 27 assists. This magnificent form and lethal scoring efforts helped him secure a deal at Manchester United in 2017. Despite scoring 42 goals and providing 12 assists in 96 outings for the Old Trafford-based outfit across two seasons, he joined Inter Milan in 2019.
After Everton, his best performances were seen at Inter (78 goals and 23 assists in 132 games). Lukaku, who signed for SSC Napoli in the summer window of 2024, has been an instant hit at the club. He has played six games and already scored three goals along with providing five assists.
Was Romelu Lukaku a flop at Chelsea and Manchester United?
If statistics are to be considered, Romelu Lukaku was not a flop at Manchester United. A staggering 42 goals in two seasons speak for his prowess. However, at Chelsea, the two stints were not memorable for the forward. On both occasions, he was sent out on loan, at first to Premier League clubs and then to Italian clubs.
In Italy, Lukaku was more fluent and even played the UEFA Champions League final for Inter Milan. He could have won the competition as well, but Rodri's solitary goal created the difference between Manchester City and Inter.
He was recently handed a contract at Napoli, where he is set to stay till the summer of 2027. Romelu Lukaku signed a permanent deal after a long time.