Napoli star Romelu Lukaku’s agent: “Disappointed to be excluded from the Champions League squad” | OneFootball

Football is full of fascinating narratives, viewpoints and angles, and one that can sometimes be forgotten is that of the football agent. Whether they’re a liked or divisive character, the agent is, of course, a huge catalyst in the modern game.

In Italy, one of the most renowned figures is Federico Pastorello. The 52-year-old is the owner of P&P Sports Management and boasts a wealth of experience that culminated in him receiving Tuttosport’s Golden Agent Trophy in 2021. Currently, some familiar names among many on his roster include Inter’s Ange-Yoan Bonny, Napoli’s Alex Meret, and Cagliari’s Semih Kilicsoy.

Tuttosport recently sat down with the Trentino native and discussed one of his latest clients, Romelu Lukaku.

Home-bound Lukaku determined to return after devastating injury

Romelu Lukaku’s 2025-26 season stuttered before the first hurdle even arrived, as in preseason, he sustained a serious tear in his left thigh. Expected to be sidelined for months of this campaign, the striker turned down surgery later in August to pursue more conservative modes of therapy. Pastorello spoke of the 32-year-old’s attitude, even in some difficult times.

“Romelu is great. We spoke just yesterday. He’s working hard in Brussels with the Belgian National Team’s fitness training staff. Obviously, he was disappointed to be excluded from the Champions League squad, but he’ll push forward to get back to his best, stronger than before.”

According to Pastorello, whose agency completed 66 transfers for a total of €293 million this year, his new client is prepared to exceed any expectations.

“I can anticipate that when the date of his return to training with Napoli is announced, he will certainly be back earlier… Romelu is a striker who shifts the balance. When he’s on the pitch, he instils courage in his teammates and raises concerns in his rivals…”

Conte’s ‘complete and deep squad’ touted to win consecutive league titles

Last season, Lukaku’s first season in Naples saw him notch 14 Serie A goals 36 appearances as the Partenopei won the Scudetto. For the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona residents, this is a feat that the agent expects to see again.

“Napoli are my favourite for the Scudetto. And not just because they’re already alone at the top of the league after four games without Lukaku.

“The club have done a great job in the transfer market, providing Conte with a complete and deep squad. And the Salento coach is in his season with the Azzurri: the “mechanisms” of the engine are well-oiled. They won the title despite losing Kvaratskhelia in January…”.

GIFN | Max Bradfield