“She was mixing in water with the milk,” Romelu Lukaku recalls days of his struggle when his family was ‘broke’

Lukaku pens down an emotionally challenging childhood which made him mature at a very young age to provide for his family.

“She was mixing in water with the milk,” Romelu Lukaku recalls days of his struggle when his family was ‘broke’

Young Lukaku with parents (Source: Dailymail)


Life’s challenges often have a way of shaping individuals into who they become. Romelu Lukaku’s journey from adversity to triumph is a testament to the power of determination and the unwavering bond between a son and his mother. His story is about resilience, commitment, and the pursuit of a better life.
Lukaku began his pro career at 16, entering the locker room in a modest tracksuit amid his teammates’ stylish suits.

In 2013, Lukaku’s life took a different turn. Allegedly, his father, Roger, assaulted a former lover, confining her in his car’s trunk. However, he countered by accusing her of falsehood. He got a 15-month jail term for missing his trial, citing address change as the reason. Racial profiling continues due to his Belgian-Congolese background, despite being born in Antwerp and raised in Liège and Brussels.

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Roger’s professional football career was prematurely halted, leaving the family financially strained as he became the primary source of income. Consequently, they were compelled to move to social housing in Antwerp. In this new situation, they faced hardships, including a lack of electricity and sleeping on the floor. He told Players Tribune, “I knew we were struggling. But when she was mixing in water with the milk, I realized it was over, you know what I mean? This was our life.”

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Determined to alter their circumstances, Lukaku silently made a promise to himself that fateful day. Lukaku kept his promise hidden within him for a time, harboring his ambitious dream of playing football for Anderlecht. He tirelessly worked towards his goal, channeling his efforts into the sport that fueled his aspirations. Valued at over 40m euros today, describes these hurdles as valuable experiences that forged resilience and enhanced his athletic abilities and mental strength.

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Romelu Lukaku’s incredible first stint with Inter Milan

Lukaku at Inter Milan
Lukaku at Inter Milan (Source: Inter Milan)

From 2011 to 2014 in London, Lukaku’s early impact was limited due to loan spells. After an unsatisfactory Manchester United stint, he thrived at Inter Milan under Antonio Conte, clinching the Serie A title.

Chelsea, noting Lukaku’s Italy success, persuaded him to return despite his fondness for Inter’s achievements. Having secured his transfer to Inter for a club-record fee of £68 million [€80 million] in 2019, Lukaku demonstrated his value to the Serie A side unequivocally. Throughout his two-season tenure at Inter, Lukaku impressively scored 64 goals in 95 appearances.

Lukaku’s impact powered Inter’s attack, adding 40 percent to their total goals in the 2020/21 season with 30 goals and 11 assists. He led Inter in key stats: shots on target (55), shot-creating actions (3.6 per 90 minutes), touches in the penalty box, and successful dribbles (47). As of now, the Belgian is struggling with the form fans once saw him master.

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