Romelu Lukaku Admits He Felt Dead Before Joining Napoli as He Scores Emotional Stoppage Time Goal in Verona

Emotion poured out of Romelu Lukaku at full time as he finally found the back of the net again — and with it, a measure of relief.

The Belgian striker scored a dramatic 96th-minute winner for Napoli against Hellas Verona over the weekend, sealing victory in the dying seconds.

But this was far more than just three points.

For Lukaku, it marked his first goal of the season and an emotional release after months of personal turmoil.

When the ball hit the net, teammates rushed toward him in celebration.

Lukaku pulled off his shirt and used it to wipe away tears — a spontaneous moment that earned him a booking, but one few could fault given the circumstances.

“Before Napoli, I Was Dead”

Speaking candidly to DAZN, the 32-year-old reflected on the pain that has followed him throughout the season.

“Football gives you so much. It has given me everything,” Lukaku said.

“But losing my father the way I did weighs on me every single day.”

His father, Roger Lukaku, passed away in September at the age of 58.

The loss shook him deeply, and the aftermath added further heartbreak.

Lukaku revealed that he and his brother Jordan were allegedly extorted by individuals who refused to release their father’s body for burial in Belgium.

As a result, the funeral took place in Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo — the country Roger once represented as a player — and the brothers were unable to attend.

“Before arriving at Napoli, I was dead,” Lukaku admitted.

“But I carry on for my daughters, for my brother, and for Napoli, which has given me so much.”

A Season of Setbacks

Grief has not been Lukaku’s only battle this year.

A long-term hamstring injury sidelined him for a significant stretch, limiting him to just six appearances so far — all coming from the bench.

Off-field stress and physical struggles combined to create one of the most challenging periods of his career.

Last season, Napoli soared to glory in Serie A.

This campaign, however, has proven more difficult.

The club currently sits third in the table, trailing leaders Inter Milan by 14 points.

Their hopes in the Champions League and Coppa Italia have already ended, leaving qualification for Europe’s top competition next season as their primary objective.

A bright spot remains their Supercoppa Italiana triumph in December.

Conte Shows His Human Side

Even manager Antonio Conte, known for his stern and disciplined approach, appeared visibly moved after the final whistle.

“This season will stay with me for the rest of my career,” Conte said.

“It has taught me a lot. I’ve had to manage situations I’ve never faced before. The human side matters. You must find the right words.”

His comments reflected a broader truth: football is not played in isolation from life’s hardships.

Impact and Consequences

Lukaku’s late winner could serve as a turning point — not only for his personal confidence but also for Napoli’s push to secure a Champions League spot.

On an emotional level, the goal may help him channel grief into renewed purpose.

For the squad, seeing their striker overcome adversity could strengthen unity during a season that has not matched last year’s dominance.

However, Napoli’s margin for error remains slim.

Sitting 14 points off the top means the title race is likely out of reach.

Every remaining match now carries weight in their battle to finish high enough for European qualification.

What’s Next?

Napoli will aim to build momentum from this dramatic win as the Serie A season heads toward its final stretch.

For Lukaku, the focus will be on regaining full fitness and pushing for a consistent starting role.

If he can rediscover his scoring rhythm, he may yet play a decisive part in securing a top-four finish.

Conte, meanwhile, must balance tactical adjustments with careful man-management as his squad navigates both competitive pressure and emotional strain.

Summary

Romelu Lukaku’s stoppage-time winner against Hellas Verona was about far more than football.

It was the emotional culmination of months marked by bereavement, injury, and personal turmoil.

His tearful celebration revealed the weight he has been carrying — and perhaps signaled the beginning of a new chapter.

Napoli’s season may not replicate last year’s title-winning heights, but moments like this remind fans that resilience often defines a team as much as trophies do.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Lukaku scored a dramatic 96th-minute winner against Hellas Verona.
• The goal was his first of the season after returning from a long-term hamstring injury.
• His father Roger died in September at age 58.
• Lukaku and his brother were reportedly extorted over the release of their father’s body, forcing the funeral to take place in Kinshasa.
• The striker admitted he felt “dead” before joining Napoli but is motivated by family and club loyalty.
• Antonio Conte acknowledged the emotional challenges faced by the squad this season.
• Napoli sit third in Serie A, 14 points behind Inter Milan.
• Their primary goal now is securing Champions League qualification after exiting other competitions.