Romelu Lukaku has revealed the emotional and physical challenges he has faced this season, including his father's long-term illness, the death of a childhood friend, and persistent injuries requiring painkilling injections.
The Everton striker, 21, spoke publicly for the first time about his father Roger's battle with illness, which began before the World Cup. Lukaku said his father, his first coach and mentor, has not attended a match in England since. 'If something happens to your father, football comes in second place,' he told Belgian magazine Fan.
Lukaku also paid tribute to former Wolfsburg midfielder Junior Malanda, a close friend who died in a car accident in January. After the tragedy, Lukaku addressed his brother Jordan's friend group, urging them to succeed in football as a mission in Malanda's memory. 'This is the biggest loss that I have experienced in my life,' he said.
On the pitch, Lukaku has struggled with heel and toe injuries, requiring four injections to play against Chelsea and Arsenal in August. He has scored seven Premier League goals this season, down from his previous form, but insists the dip is due to injuries and a World Cup hangover rather than pressure from his £28 million price tag.
Despite the difficulties, Lukaku remains focused on finishing the season strongly. 'I have not given up the fight for the European places,' he said. 'In football, especially in England, the race starts after March.'
