Lukaku: ‘Cried every day’ after 2022 World Cup | OneFootball

Napoli star Romelu Lukaku admits he ‘cried every day’ after Belgium’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup and hopes he can rediscover his ‘passion’ for the national team.

The Belgian striker released an interview with the podcast‘ Friends of Sports’ in Belgium.

A former Chelsea, Inter, Everton, Man United and Roma striker, Lukaku joined Napoli on a permanent transfer last summer, reuniting with Antonio Conte at the Stadio Maradona.

The ex-Chelsea star decided not to play for Belgium in October to focus on physical preparation with Napoli.

“I hope I can rediscover my passion for the Red Devils. The next step is the World Cup in two years, which feels so far away now,” said Lukaku as quoted by Sky Sport Italia.

“I really want to return to the national team with a good feeling and take on a leadership role, but you can’t expect me to be happy if we don’t win. It’s the only thing that this young group of players lack. They’ve come a long way already but can still do much more regarding a winning mentality. This is what I can teach them.”

The Red Devils held Italy to a 2-2 draw at the Stadio Olimpico last week, but the Azzurri wasted a two-goal lead after a straight red card to Lorenzo Pellegrini before the break.

Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’ is edging towards the end of their careers with no major trophy won.

Lukaku admitted to being particularly disappointed after a group-stage elimination at the 2022 World Cup when he was blamed for missing several goals.

COLOGNE, GERMANY – JUNE 22: Romelu Lukaku of Belgium reacts during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Belgium and Romania at Cologne Stadium on June 22, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

He was an Inter player at the time and joined the Belgian team despite being not fully fit due to a tricky muscle injury.

“It was the first time in 29 years that football touched me,” he said.

“I never thought about depression, but I cried every day for weeks, even on holiday. Henry called me three times a day. My mother and kids were in Milan, but I had no energy. I needed to be alone for a while.”

Belgium have now hired a new, Italian, coach, Domenico Tedesco.

“I wanted to stop when he arrived, but he said he needed me, so I went home. I spoke to my family and decided to stay, but I still had doubts after the games against Sweden and Germany [at Euro 2024].”

Lukaku also spoke about the criticism from English media during his time in the Premier League.

“In England, they wanted to put me in a box. They see someone built like me and think he’s the new Drogba, and because Didier did what he did, they think I have to do the same,” he said.

“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, bro. Just let me make my run in behind; play me in.”