Napoli manager Antonio Conte has expressed his disappointment with striker Romelu Lukaku after the Belgian failed to greet him during a recent visit to the training ground. Lukaku, 32, has been recovering from a hamstring injury in his native Belgium and returned to Italy this week for clear-the-air talks with club officials.
Speaking after Napoli's 4-0 win over Cremonese, Conte revealed that Lukaku had been at the training complex but did not knock on his office door. 'I would have expected a greeting, a message or something,' Conte said. 'In these situations, the coach tries to understand everyone, but no one makes the effort to understand the coach.'
Lukaku's season has been disrupted by a serious hamstring injury suffered in a pre-season friendly in August, limiting him to just seven appearances. The former Chelsea and Manchester United forward has also been grieving the death of his father, Roger, who passed away in September at the age of 58.
Conte brought Lukaku to Napoli at the start of last season and the striker played a key role in winning the Serie A title, scoring 14 league goals. However, Napoli signed Rasmus Hojlund and Giovane in the summer, signalling a refresh of their attacking options. Lukaku is out of contract at the end of next season and hopes to return before the campaign ends to earn a place in Belgium's World Cup squad.
