Lukaku discloses harsh treatment from Chelsea prior to his departure

 

ROMELU LUKAKU HAS DISCLOSED THAT HE WAS MADE TO USE THE YOUTH TEAM DRESSING ROOMS DURING HIS TIME AT CHELSEA, AS THE NAPOLI STAR ADDRESSES ACCUSATIONS OF 'LAZINESS' AND REFLECTS ON HIS DIFFICULT PERIOD AT STAMFORD BRIDGE

Romelu Lukaku, the Belgian striker currently making waves at Napoli, has opened up about his tumultuous time at Chelsea, shedding light on a series of painful experiences during his early days at Stamford Bridge. In a candid interview, Lukaku revealed that he was forced to change in the youth team dressing rooms, faced accusations of laziness, and struggled to find his place at the club that once seemed like a dream destination.

Lukaku, who joined Chelsea from Anderlecht in 2011 as an 18-year-old prodigy, arrived with high expectations. However, his time at the London club was far from smooth. Despite his undeniable talent, the young striker found himself marginalized and subjected to treatment that left a lasting impact on him.

Forced to Change in Youth Dressing Rooms

One of the most shocking revelations from Lukaku’s interview was the fact that he was made to change in the youth team dressing rooms, even after being part of the senior squad. This segregation, he explained, was a clear message that he wasn’t fully accepted or trusted by the club’s hierarchy at the time.

“It was tough,” Lukaku admitted. “I was a first-team player, but I had to change with the youth team. It felt like I wasn’t good enough to be with the senior players. That kind of treatment messes with your confidence, especially when you’re young and trying to prove yourself.”

This experience, Lukaku said, was a stark contrast to the warm welcome he had expected upon joining one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs. Instead, it set the tone for a challenging period in his career.

Battling 'Laziness' Claims

Lukaku also addressed the persistent accusations of laziness that dogged him during his time at Chelsea. Critics often pointed to his work rate and attitude, suggesting that he wasn’t putting in the effort required to succeed at the highest level. However, Lukaku insists that these claims were unfair and rooted in misunderstandings.

“People called me lazy, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” he said. “I’ve always worked hard, but sometimes things don’t go your way. At Chelsea, I was young, and I didn’t get the opportunities I needed to show what I could do. When you’re not playing regularly, it’s easy for people to make assumptions.”

Lukaku’s frustration was compounded by the fact that he was rarely given a consistent run in the team. Despite scoring goals in limited appearances, he found himself behind established stars like Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres in the pecking order.

A Painful Stint at Stamford Bridge

Reflecting on his time at Chelsea, Lukaku described it as a “painful” period in his career. While he acknowledged that the club had a wealth of talent at the time, he felt that he was never given a fair chance to prove himself.

“I don’t regret joining Chelsea because it was a dream for me,” he said. “But it was painful to be there and not get the opportunities I felt I deserved. I learned a lot from that experience, but it wasn’t easy.”

Lukaku’s struggles at Chelsea eventually led to loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Everton, where he rediscovered his form and confidence. His performances at Everton earned him a permanent move, and he later went on to play for Manchester United, Inter Milan, and now Napoli, where he has become a key figure.

Moving Forward with Napoli

Now thriving in Serie A with Napoli, Lukaku has put his Chelsea days behind him. He credits his resilience and determination for helping him overcome the challenges he faced early in his career.

“Every setback made me stronger,” he said. “I’ve always believed in myself, and I’ve worked hard to get to where I am today. At Napoli, I feel appreciated, and I’m enjoying my football again.”

Lukaku’s story is a reminder of the pressures and challenges young players face when trying to make it at the highest level. His journey from being ostracized at Chelsea to becoming a star at Napoli is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and unwavering self-belief.

As he continues to shine in Italy, Lukaku’s revelations about his time at Chelsea offer a rare glimpse into the struggles that even the most gifted athletes can face. For fans and aspiring players alike, his story serves as an inspiring example of how resilience and hard work can turn adversity into triumph.