Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku clarifies his injury rehab in Belgium, insisting he would never turn his back on the club despite internal criticism

ROMELU Lukaku has defended his decision to undergo injury rehabilitation in Belgium rather than with his club Napoli.

The striker posted a lengthy clarification on Instagram amid criticism from the Serie A side and its supporters.

“This season has been a lot for me from dealing with the injury and the personal loss (of his father),” Lukaku wrote.

He explained that recent checks in Belgium revealed inflammation and fluid on his hip flexor muscle.

Lukaku subsequently withdrew from Belgium’s World Cup warm-up friendlies in the United States last week.

“I chose to do the rehab in Belgium… (But) I could never turn my back on Napoli, never,” he added.

The 32-year-old emphasised his desire to return to full fitness for both club and country.

“There’s nothing more I would love to do than play and win (for) my team,” he said.

“All I want” is to “get there and help Napoli and the national team to their respective objectives”.

Lukaku’s season has been severely disrupted by a thigh injury sustained in pre-season.

He did not return to competitive action until January this year.

The Belgian has made just seven appearances for Napoli in all competitions this term.

Napoli currently trail Serie A leaders Inter Milan by seven points in their title defence.

 The Sun Malaysia