Lukaku: ‘I was a dead player before coming to Napoli’
Romelu Lukaku admits his first goal in nine months was an emotional moment, especially as it gave Napoli victory in Verona. ‘I was a dead player before coming here.’
The Belgium international had waited 281 days for his first Serie A goal, since May 23 2025 against Cagliari, as he has been out of action since August when a tendon detached in his thigh during a pre-season friendly.
He didn’t expect it to be quite so dramatic, a 96th-minute winner with the last kick of the game away to Hellas Verona, after Rasmus Hojlund had scored and then deflected in the Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro volley.
Lukaku seals last-gasp Napoli success
“I am happy for the team, it’s a pity we conceded that goal, but we are taking three points home today,” Lukaku told DAZN Italia.
Lukaku also celebrated pointing his finger to the sky, as it was the first goal scored since his father passed away and the family claimed they were ‘extorted’ over the funeral.
“These have been difficult months, personally. Football has given me so much, and losing my father the way I did was tough to handle.
“I keep going for my children, for my brothers, and for Napoli who gave me so much.”
The centre-forward reunited with Antonio Conte at Napoli after their experiences together in England and at Inter, allowing him to revitalise his career yet again after the Chelsea struggles.
“I was a dead player before coming here. This season is difficult, but we’ve got to aim high.”