Lukaku Reveals Preparedness For Racism In Italy
Romelu Lukaku says he knew about the scale of racism in Italian football before joining Inter Milan from Manchester United in the summer.
Despite boasting an impressive 42 goals in 96 league games for Manchester United, Lukaku became disillusioned with life at Old Trafford following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s appointment as manager and the Belgian completed a £74m move to Inter as the transfer window neared its closure in England on August 8.
Lukaku has found himself mired in a midst of racial storm since making the move to Italy after he was abused by Cagliari fans as he prepared to take a penalty in a Serie A game in September.
The 26-year-old was also at the receiving end of racist comments by an 80-year-old television pundit, Luciano Passirani, that led to the latter being banned from TopCalcio24 TV.
“I knew that sooner or later it would happen,” Lukaku admitted in a press conference ahead of Belgium’s EURO 2020 qualifier against Russia on Saturday.
“I was ready for it, because before coming here I spoke with some friends who played in Serie A and they warned me about it.
“At Cagliari it was a difficult moment. Serie A and UEFA had to do more.
“UEFA must act. We can promote a ‘No To Racism’ campaign, but if we do nothing to counter this phenomenon, it makes no sense.”
Despite the early obstacles, Lukaku has impressed in his short stay in Italy with his nine goals propelling Inter Milan to second on the table and the former Chelsea striker says he is enjoying his time in his new surroundings.
“I’m having fun in Italy,” he added. “People on the street are very kind to me and my family likes it here too. I want to concentrate on this.
“When I’m not playing well, I want [Conte] to tell me about it. I’m 26, I know I can improve.”
