Romelu Lukaku admits 2025 was ‘the worst of my life’ and claims Napoli ‘said I wasn’t fit to boycott me, but it was not true’ ahead of his move to Fenerbahce.
The striker barely played last term after suffering a serious thigh injury in an August 2025 friendly match against Olympiacos.
When he did recover, there were relapses and then arguments, as he insisted on returning to Belgium for treatment rather than continuing with the Napoli staff.
On top of all that, his father died in September 2025, and his family was ‘extorted’ over the return of the body in time for the funeral.
Lukaku nightmare end to Napoli career
“It was the worst year of my life,” confessed Lukaku to Het Laatste Nieuws in Belgium.
“I chose to leave Napoli because I heard things and decisions were already being made… that’s it. If that was the case, then I was better off leaving.
“The claim that I was not fit was simply not true. They probably said that in Italy to boycott me, but I am 100 per cent match fit.”
Lukaku did feature largely as a substitute for Belgium at the 2026 World Cup, but seemed to improve his fitness as the tournament wore on.
He then made the transfer to Fenerbahce for a reported fee of €6m plus add-ons, and made his debut for 10 minutes against Olympique Lyonnais.
“It is a new experience, but at a good level. I need motivation, so this is the best step for me, I want to keep playing as competitively as possible. I am in a strong league, challenging for trophies, maybe even playing in the Champions League.”
Lukaku is 33 years old and will be 35 by the time his contract with Fenerbahce runs down, assuming the club activates the option to extend next summer.
He already has his future planned out, though.
“Hopefully, I can see out those two years, and afterwards I will return home,” added Lukaku.
“I will still be fit by then, definitely. I’ve always said that I want to continue playing until 2030, and that means with Belgium too. But after that, it’s Game Over!
“Look, there are many players who can keep going until they are 40. If you listen to people’s opinions all the time, you become unhappy. I take good care of myself and I am back now,” concluded the centre-forward.
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