Romelu Lukaku ‘refuses to return’ to Naples after Belgium withdrawal | OneFootball

Romelu Lukaku has refused to return to Naples after pulling out of Belgium duty with a physical issue, choosing to stay in Belgium with his family. Naples are furious.

Gazzetta suggests that the striker has remained in Belgium rather than flying back, and has missed two club training sessions.

He had been due to join the Red Devils' friendly tour in the United States, facing the United States on Saturday and Mexico in midweek. After feeling discomfort, he left the camp and was expected to return to Naples to work on his fitness.

Belgium technical director Vincent Mannaert said Lukaku had carefully weighed what was best for the run-in, and, given the flights and travel involved, concluded it would not be ideal to keep training at such an intense rhythm.

Mannaert added there was no health problem, and that the priority is to find the best way to prepare for the final months and the World Cup. He called it a difficult decision and said Lukaku knows his body and wants to be at the tournament, which gives them confidence.

Source: L'Équipe