Former Manchester United and Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku has admitted 2025 was the "worst year of my life" and claimed Napoli said he was not fit to "boycott me".
Lukaku, 33, made just seven appearances for Napoli last season after suffering a serious thigh injury during a pre-season fixture against Olympiacos in August 2025. When he did recover, there were relapses and tension with the club's medical staff, as he insisted on returning to Belgium for treatment rather than remaining in Naples.
As well as that, Lukaku's father died in September 2025 and his family was 'extorted' around the return of the body in time for the funeral, which took place in Kinshasa, DR Congo.
Lukaku's comments on Napoli and his move to Fenerbahce
Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws in Belgium, Lukaku said: "It was the worst year [2025] of my life. 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 ended up leaving Napoli in the summer to join Turkish side Fenerbahce. He signed a one-year deal in Istanbul and made his debut as a second-half substitute during Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Lyon in the Champions League.
Future plans and return to Belgium
"It is a new experience, but at a high and professional level," Lukaku said, when asked about his move to Fenerbahce. "You know well enough how I tick."
"I need motivation until the end. This is best for me; I want to keep playing as competitively as possible. Here I will be playing in a strong league, fighting for trophies, and who knows, maybe even playing in the Champions League. That is good for myself and for the national team."
There was some speculation that Lukaku might instead return to Anderlecht, more than 15 years since leaving his boyhood club for Chelsea. Although he snubbed the chance to go back to Belgium to sign for Fenerbahce, he hasn't ruled out the possibility of moving home in two years.
Lukaku added: "I signed here (at Fenerbahce) for one season with an option for an extra year. Hopefully, I can see out those two years. Afterwards, I will return home. I will still be fit then, absolutely. I have always said that I want to continue until 2030, also with the Red Devils. After that, it's 'game over'."
The forward is next to turn 34 at the end of the season but he still feels fit and sharp to contribute at the highest level. "Look, there are plenty of players who can keep playing football until they're 40," he finished. "It's a mindset. If you listen to people's opinions all the time, you become unhappy. But I take good care of myself. I'm back now."
