Romelu Lukaku has revealed the best manager he has played under thus far in his football career.
Lukaku named Napoli boss, Antonio Conte, as the best manager he has had in his career, snubbing Jose Mourinho and Thomas Tuchel.
Conte assisted the Belgian into possibly the best physical shape of his career during the striker’s first stint at Inter Milan.
Romelu Lukaku netted 24 goals and provided 11 assists to help the Nerazzurri win the Serie A title in 2021, before exiting Milan for Chelsea on August 12, 2021, for a fee of €113 million.
Cumulatively, the former West Bromwich Albion striker, scored 78 goals and provided 23 assists in 132 appearances for Inter Milan.
Lukaku’s horrible spell in London could be put to an end this summer, with Antonio Conte reportedly keen on bringing the attacker to Napoli.
Romelu Lukaku Best Manager
In an interview with Belgian TV, via Gazzetta dello Sport, Romelu Lukaku disclosed that Conte is the best manager he has ever had.
It is believed that when questioned about the best manager he ever had, Lukaku responded with the Italian tactician’s name without any hesitation.
The former Everton man has also been tutored by the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Roberto Martinez, and Simeone Inzaghi so far in his career.
Lukaku’s pick has aroused reports that Belgium’s all-time top scorer could reunite with Antonio Conte in Naples.
Speaking with Belgium TV, Romelu Lukaku shared some factors that do influence his “transfer choices”.
The 31-year-old said: “The relationship with the coach has always had considerable weight in my transfer choices.”
Antonio Conte was confirmed as Napoli’s new boss on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, and reports have indicated that the ex-Tottenham Hotspur manager has already contacted Lukaku to inquire about his availability this summer.
Lukaku’s Future?
Romelu Lukaku has also been linked with moves to AC Milan and Roma – where he spent the entirety of the 2023/24 season out on loan.
The former Anderlecht attacker also looks to be open to a possible move to Saudi Arabia, with the Belgian having great words to say about football in the Asian country.
During an interview with HLN, Lukaku said: “Saudi Arabia wouldn’t stop me. The level (of football in the country) will only increase. To a much higher level than many people think.”
Romelu Lukaku, however, said that the infrastructure still needs to be “improved”, but major leagues in Europe know that Saudi Arabia “is coming”.
He added: “More and more football players will tend to play there. Also because of how the fans there experience football.
“The infrastructure still needs to be improved, but all major European top clubs know: ‘Saudi Arabia is coming’ – you already see that in boxing, golf, Formula One.”
Romelu Lukaku Under Different Managers
Meanwhile, Lukaku endured a turbulent relationship under Tuchel, with the pair not being on good terms during the former’s stay at Stamford Bridge.
Romelu Lukaku has netted 15 goals and provided 2 assists in 59 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions.
Romelu Lukaku blossomed under Jose Mourinho in the 2017/18 season – the attacker’s first campaign at Manchester United.
However, he tailed off in the 2018/19 campaign, and that resulted in him being shipped off to Inter Milan after the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as boss of the Red Devils, following the dismissal of Mourinho.
Lukaku netted 42 goals and provided 12 assists in 96 appearances for Manchester United across all competitions.
He was breathtaking at Everton between 2013 and 2017, playing predominantly under Spanish tactician Roberto Martinez.
The 31-year-old scored 87 goals and provided 27 assists in 166 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions.
Cumulatively, Lukaku has made 636 club career appearances, scoring 302 goals and providing 89 assists in all competitions.
Internationally, Romelu Lukaku has scored 83 goals and provided 17 assists in 114 appearances for Belgium.
The Belgian, who was born on May 13, 2024, in Antwerp, has won several trophies in his career, including; 2 League titles, 1 FIFA Club World Cup, and 1 Coppa Italia.
He is known for his athleticism, strength, and impressive link-up plays, however, his finishing is suspect despite the enormous number of goals he has scored in his career.
