Romelu Lukaku Breaks Silence on Napoli Exit: ‘2025 Was the Worst Year of My Life’
Romelu Lukaku has opened up about the difficult period that ultimately led to his departure from Napoli, describing 2025 as “the worst year of my life” and strongly disputing claims that he was not physically ready to play.
The Belgian striker made the revelations in an interview with Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, shortly after completing his move from Napoli to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe.
Lukaku: “I Was Better Off Leaving”
According to Lukaku, his decision to leave Napoli was influenced by information he received about decisions allegedly being made behind the scenes.
“I chose to leave Napoli because I heard things and decisions were already being made… If that was the case, then I was better off leaving.”
The comments come after a turbulent final period in Naples, despite Lukaku having played an important role in Napoli’s 2024/25 Serie A title triumph. FIFA previously highlighted Lukaku alongside Scott McTominay as one of the key figures in Antonio Conte’s championship-winning side.
‘I Was 100% Match Fit’
One of the strongest claims from Lukaku concerns his physical condition.
The striker rejected suggestions that he was not fit enough to compete, saying:
“The claim that I was not fit was simply not true.”
Lukaku went further, alleging that claims about his fitness were circulated in Italy to undermine him.
“They probably said that in Italy to boycott me, but I am 100 per cent match fit.”
However, Napoli’s official medical records show that Lukaku did suffer a significant left-thigh injury in August 2025. The club said examinations revealed a high-grade rectus femoris injury, after which he began rehabilitation and underwent a surgical consultation.
That history makes Lukaku’s comments particularly contentious: while he insists he is currently fully fit, his previous injury problems were officially documented by Napoli.
A Difficult Final Chapter
Lukaku’s final season in Naples was disrupted by injuries and limited appearances. Reuters reported that he made only seven appearances during his injury-hit final campaign before his move to Fenerbahçe.
His relationship with Napoli had also become increasingly complicated. In March 2026, the club publicly stated that Lukaku had failed to respond to a scheduled return to training and warned that disciplinary action could follow.
Interestingly, just months earlier, Lukaku had publicly defended his commitment to Napoli, saying he had not personally requested a transfer and that media coverage in Italy had exaggerated the situation.
From Scudetto Hero to Fenerbahçe
Lukaku’s departure marks a dramatic change from the previous season, when he helped Napoli win the Serie A title under Antonio Conte.
He has now started a new chapter with Fenerbahçe, with the transfer reportedly worth around €6 million plus performance-related bonuses.
The 33-year-old has also made it clear that retirement is not yet on his mind. Lukaku says he wants to continue playing until 2030, including for Belgium.
For now, though, his focus is on rebuilding his career in Turkey and proving that his best football may not yet be behind him.
Lukaku’s Napoli chapter ended with controversy. His next chapter at Fenerbahçe could provide the perfect opportunity to answer his critics on the pitch.
