INTER MILAN star Romelu Lukaku has revealed that he didn’t talk for FOUR DAYS after losing the Europa League final.
The Belgian went from hero to zero as his late own goal gifted Sevilla a record-setting sixth Europa title in a 3-2 defeat last month.
Romelu Lukaku has revealed he was silent for four days after the Europa League finalCredit: EPA
The Belgian scored a penalty and a late own-goal against SevillaCredit: Friedemann Vogel
The ex-Manchester United man’s night started perfectly as he opened the scoring with a penalty.
The spot-kick was his 34th goal of the season – equalling the club record set by Ronaldo Nazario 22-years ago.
Yet after Diego Godin pulled Inter level following Luuk de Jong’s headed brace, Lukaku’s joy turned to despair as he diverted Diego Carlos’ wayward bicycle kick into his net.
And the 27-year-old – who refused to collect his runners-up medal – admitted his bitter disappointment forced him into silence.
It was a very difficult moment for me. I didn’t speak for four days after the game
Romelu Lukaku
He told Gazzetta dello Sport: “It was a very difficult moment for me. I didn’t speak for four days after the game but one day I woke up and gave myself a reason.
“In the past season we didn’t win the league by one point, we lost the semifinal of the Coppa Italia because we didn’t score a goal and then the Europa League final finished 3-2.
“These things happen. Only by suffering you improve. Victory is fatigue, it is character, it is an analysis of one’s limits but it is combativeness, it is desire for redemption and success. You can lose, but only to learn how to win.”
Despite his European heartbreak, Lukaku did reveal that he has been enjoying his best football in Italy.
He added: “It is the best country I have ever been to. I love being in Italy. I like the love of the people and the respect.
“I am a person who respects others and when I meet people I like to talk and be with the Italians who welcomed me very well and I am grateful to everyone.
“Even Italian football is a style of football that is good for me, it has made me improve in everything.
“I want to grow and I want to do even more for the team, the coach, the club and above all for the fans.”
Romelu Lukaku refuses to collect runners-up medal as cruel own goal costs Inter in Europa League final vs Sevilla
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
