Lukaku: ‘I apologised’ to Conte, Napoli ‘gave me the chance to show I was not dead’ | OneFootball

Romelu Lukaku reveals he ‘apologised’ to Antonio Conte before returning to Belgium for individual training in April, and even though the Belgian striker is ‘grateful’ to Napoli, he hopes to play under the Italian tactician again in the future.

Lukaku had a troubled 2025-26 campaign, playing barely 60 minutes for Napoli, mostly due to a severe muscle injury sustained in pre-season, which sidelined him for several months.

Nevertheless, the experienced striker is part of the Belgium squad for the 2026 World Cup.

“It will be a different World Cup. We’ll go with a new generation, a generation that wants to show its worth to the world,” Lukaku told Sky Sport.

“I think everyone has to understand their role on the team and how they can be important. Conversations between us will be crucial. Nobody should prioritise their personal interest and focus on the team’s good.”

Unfortunately, Lukaku won’t meet Italy at the World Cup as the Azzurri have failed to qualify for the third consecutive time.

“A lot of people talk about the Italian national team. Surely, it’s a shame,” Lukaku argued.

“I play in Italy, and I want to see Italy at the World Cup and compete against it because it’s a country that has made history in football. Surely, for us players, it’s a pity they are not there, but I’m sure a solution will be found for the national team, and I’m sure you’ll get back to the top of the world.”

VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli and Unai Núñez of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Napoli have qualified for the Champions League but saw Conte depart after two seasons.

“For Napoli, it was important to finish in the top four. Surely, we wanted to compete for the Scudetto, but credit to Inter, who deserved to win the title,” Lukaku said.

“Roma in Champions is nice, I’m happy for them, surely. Their fans deserve it. Two top sides [Juventus and Milan] have not qualified for the Champions League, but other teams deserved to qualify instead; this is football.”

Lukaku’s contract at the Stadio Maradona expires in June 2027, and he had previously suggested that he wanted to remain at the club beyond the summer.

“I still have a year left in my contract at Napoli. They gave me the chance to show I was not dead, and I’ll always thank the coach first, and then the club, for trusting me. Now, I’ll focus on the national team, and then we’ll see,” Lukaku said.

“People say many things, but I want to say that I’m really happy here. Napoli gave me an opportunity when many said I was dead. They gave me their hand, and I’ll forever be grateful.”

COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: SSC Napoli coach Antonio Conte looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Lukaku irritated Lukaku and Conte between March and April by remaining in Belgium without the club’s consent to train individually and regain full fitness.

He was initially frozen out of the team and fined, but the club later allowed him to continue his physical preparation in Belgium.

Lukaku only returned to Naples three weeks ago and hasn’t made a competitive appearance for the Partenopei since March 6.

“We [he and Conte] spoke before I returned to Belgium. I apologised, and he understood my situation,” Lukaku said.

“Not being able to help the team physically was very tough for me. He even told me he didn’t see me as he used to. We were very honest with each other. I will always be grateful to him; there’s nothing bad I can say about him. I can say he created the player I am today. He’s a coach who has always believed in me, and I’ll always be grateful.”

Then, the Belgian finished his interview smiling: “I hope that, if he needs me in the future, he’ll call me to play under him again, let’s see.”