‘I Cried Every Day for Weeks’ – Romelu Lukaku Admits On Difficult Time, Reveals Thierry Henry’s Constant Support After World Cup Disappointment

‘I Cried Every Day for Weeks’: Romelu Lukaku Shares Emotional Struggles as Thierry Henry Supported Him After World Cup Exit

Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku has opened up about the emotional toll he experienced following Belgium’s disappointing exit from the 2022 World Cup. In a candid revelation, Lukaku admitted he cried daily for weeks after the tournament, as Belgium failed to progress past the group stages.

Lukaku, who secured a permanent move to Napoli from Chelsea this summer and has started well in Serie A, reflected on a difficult few years in both club and international football. His struggles on the pitch during the World Cup in Qatar were compounded by intense criticism from both fans and pundits.

The Bigger Picture
Lukaku’s mental health took a significant hit after the World Cup, as he struggled to process the team’s early exit. In the weeks following, he distanced himself from football as much as possible. Despite this, he found support in former Belgium assistant coach and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who checked in on him frequently, offering guidance and motivation during the tough period.

What Lukaku Said
Speaking on the “Friends of Sport” podcast, Lukaku reflected on the difficult time: “I wanted to be there for my country because the coach and the team needed me. For the first time in 29 years, football affected me deeply. I never thought about depression, but I cried every day for weeks, even during holidays. Thierry Henry called me three times a day. My mother and children were in Milan, but I felt drained. I needed to be alone for a while.”

Lukaku, who wasn’t selected for Belgium’s squad by current coach Domenico Tedesco this month, remains determined to reestablish his place in the national team. He revealed his ambition to reignite his passion for representing Belgium: “I hope to rediscover the passion for playing with the Red Devils. The next World Cup seems far away, but I’m focused on returning to the national team with a positive mindset and taking on a leadership role. Winning is crucial to me, and that’s the mentality I want to instill in the younger players.”