Romelu Lukaku, absent on and off the pitch: what went incorrect? We cannot know for some time – Tout le foot

Belgium’s all-time high scorer has been a ghost by the Euros. Romelu Lukaku has didn’t ship, each on and off the pitch.

Did these three disallowed targets within the first two video games stick in his thoughts? The very fact is that this was not the Romelu Lukaku the nationwide staff wanted. Too sluggish, not punchy sufficient and never sharp sufficient. He nonetheless retains the defence alert, however extra was anticipated of him.

The media in Germany had a WhatsApp group by which they might ask for the gamers they wished to interview after the match. Lukaku’s title was all the time the primary to be despatched. But, he was by no means seen as soon as.

When the RBFA agreed on Friday to have a casual dialogue with some gamers, after all, ‘Massive Rom’ was requested once more, however he did not need to participate both. “After France”, was the message conveyed to everybody. However even within the combined zone after the elimination, no hint of Lukaku.

Many questions, no solutions

Whereas Lukaku has all the time been discreet within the media, such self-absorption is unprecedented. It was additionally seen on the pitch. Issues weren’t going the way in which he wished. Whereas earlier than he typically gave directions on the pitch, he appeared to withdraw into himself, multiplying gestures of frustration.

In any case, it was not the Lukaku we have been used to and wanted a lot. Was it as a result of taking part in system? The staff’s poor play? Have been he involved about switch worries? Was there a bodily downside? We will solely speculate.

As a result of these are the questions we’d have appreciated to ask him and whose solutions will in all probability take months. Lukaku isn’t the form of man to grant an interview rapidly.

We additionally know that it’ll hang-out him. As a result of after an XXL qualifying marketing campaign, Lukaku wished to reach what appeared to be his remaining assembly with the nationwide staff. Will we see him once more within the Crimson Devils jersey? To be sincere, nothing is much less sure.