Romelu Lukaku made the briefest of trips back to Napoli, avoiding his coach and teammates.
Gazzetta report that the Belgian made a trip over from his home country having decided to stay there to recover from an injury.
Napoli ordered him to return to training, but Lukaku insisted he wouldn’t and has since been threatened with disciplinary action.
The report claims that Lukaku’s return was relaxed and somewhat positive with sporting director Giovanni Manna.
However, it was so short that Lukaku didn’t even wait around at training to meet his coach or teammates before heading straight back to Belgium.
A hefty fine is likely on the way for his decision to stay home against the club’s wishes on March 26th, but there could be far bigger financial impilcatons.
Lukaku is still being paid €8million per-year, and Napoli are already looking at ways to try and offset that and the €30m they paid for him with a summer sale.
Lukaku and Napoli’s war or words
Speaking at the time of Lukaku’s refusal to return, Napoli said in a statement: “SSC Napoli announces that the player Romelu Lukaku did not respond to today’s call-up for the resumption of training.
“The Club reserves the right to decide whether to take appropriate disciplinary action, as well as whether to continue the player’s activity with the squad on a permanent basis.”
Lukaku responded in length in a social media post which read: “This season has been very challenging for me.
“Between the injury and the personal loss. I know there’s been a lot of noise about my situation in the last few days, and it’s important to clarify everything.
“The truth is that in the last few weeks I haven’t felt well physically.
“A check-up while I was in Belgium revealed inflammation and fluid in the iliopsoas muscle, near the scar tissue—it’s the second problem I’ve had since I returned at the beginning of November.
“I chose to rehab in Belgium so I can be ready when I’m called upon.
“I think most of you saw the interview I gave in Verona: I could never turn my back on Napoli, never. There’s nothing I want more than to play and help my team win… but right now I have to make sure I’m 100% fit, because I haven’t been lately, and that’s also taken a toll on me mentally.
“It’s been a lot this year… but in the end, I can do it. I will do it and help Napoli and the national team achieve their respective goals when I am called. That’s all I want.”
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