
Romelu Lukaku has candidly shared how a defining moment with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea reshaped his entire approach to football and life. The Belgian striker, now a key figure at Roma under Mourinho, revealed how a brutal snub from the Portuguese manager early in his career became the catalyst for his evolution as a player.
The Turning Point
Lukaku recalled the painful experience of being dropped by Mourinho during his second spell at Chelsea. "He told me I wasn't ready," Lukaku admitted. "At the time, it crushed me. But looking back, it was exactly what I needed."
From Rejection to Redemption
The striker explained how this rejection forced him to reassess his entire approach:
- Improved work ethic in training
- Complete dietary overhaul
- Enhanced mental preparation
- Greater tactical understanding
"That moment changed everything," Lukaku emphasized. "I stopped blaming others and took full responsibility for my career."
The Mourinho Effect
Now reunited with Mourinho at Roma, Lukaku sees their relationship in a new light:
- Initial tension created necessary growth
- Mutual respect developed over time
- Shared understanding of what it takes to succeed
The Belgian international credits Mourinho's tough love approach with helping him become one of Europe's most feared strikers, with his recent form for Roma proving the transformation complete.