Imagine being on top of your game, yet feeling like walking away from it all. For Romelu Lukaku, the all-time leading scorer for Belgium’s national team with 85 goals, that was almost the case after the Euro 2024.
A shocking elimination by France in the round of 16 left him frustrated. “I thought about quitting after that loss,” Lukaku said in a press conference. He even told teammate Jan Vertonghen he didn’t feel the same about playing.
Behind the Scenes
Lukaku recalled the tense atmosphere under former coach Domenico Tedesco, who led the team until January. It wasn’t just Lukaku who struggled – goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was also at odds with Tedesco and was absent from the team for a year and a half.
The environment was “toxic,” Lukaku said. “I don’t react well to losses, but that’s also what drives me. During tournaments, I focus completely on the team.” Still, it was tough to swallow the Euro 2024 outcome.
A Change of Heart
Despite his frustrations, Lukaku decided to stick with Belgium, now under the guidance of coach Rudi Garcia. “Too much happened too fast,” he said. “I couldn’t just leave my country.” For Lukaku, loyalty and dedication won out over disappointment.
