Lukaku: "The worst year of my life. In Italy, certain things were said to boycott me"

The Belgian striker, now at Fenerbahce, takes stock of the last season and explains the reasons that led him to leave Napoli

Romelu Lukaku, the former Inter, Roma and Napoli striker who moved from Napoli to Fenerbahce in this transfer window, has spoken to Belgian TV. His comments, reported by Sportmediaset, are bound to spark debate.

"I signed for one season with an option for another, I hope to honour these two years, after which I will return home," explained the Belgian striker, born in 1993. "I will soon be fit again, I have always said that I want to continue until 2030, also with the national team. After that, it will be game over: there are many players who manage to play football until they are 40. It is a question of mentality: if you always listen to other people's opinions, you become unhappy, but I look after myself. Now I am back."

Looking back on last season, he does not mince his words: "It was the worst year of my life." Over the past year, Lukaku has dealt with the grief of his father Roger's death, numerous physical problems and the breakdown with Napoli.

He continued: "Why did I choose to leave? I heard things and choices were made… That's all. If that's how it went, then it was better for me to leave. The claim that I am not fit is simply false. They probably said it in Italy to boycott me. I am 100% fit to play."