Napoli manager Antonio Conte has voiced his disappointment with striker Romelu Lukaku after the Belgian failed to greet him during a recent visit to the club's training ground. Lukaku, 32, returned to Italy for clear-the-air discussions following accusations that he ignored a request to resume training after suffering a hamstring injury.
Conte's Frustration
Speaking after Napoli's emphatic 4-0 victory over Cremonese on Friday, Conte revealed that Lukaku did not seek him out despite being at the training complex. "I know one of our directors spoke to him, he came to the training ground, my office was right there… but nobody knocked on the door - and that really disappointed me because I would have expected a greeting, a message or something," Conte said. "In these situations, the coach tries to understand everyone, but no one makes the effort to understand the coach."
Lukaku's Difficult Season
Lukaku's campaign has been plagued by injuries and personal loss. The former Premier League star has been recovering from a serious hamstring injury sustained in a pre-season friendly in August, limiting him to just seven appearances this season, the last of which came in early March. He has also been grieving the death of his father, Roger, who passed away in September at the age of 58.
Despite the strained relations, the talks between Lukaku and Napoli directors were reportedly positive. The striker will continue his rehabilitation in Belgium and hopes to return before the end of the season to earn a spot in Belgium's squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Background
Conte brought Lukaku to Napoli at the start of last season after their successful partnership at Inter Milan. The striker played a key role in helping Napoli secure the Serie A title, contributing 14 league goals. However, with Napoli also signing Rasmus Hojlund and Giovane in the summer, the club appears to be planning for the future. Lukaku's contract expires at the end of next season.
Following his father's death, Lukaku posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: "Thank you for teaching me everything I know. I will always be grateful and appreciate you. Life will never be the same again."
