“I didn’t have to convince him”: Tedesco welcomes “motivated” Lukaku to the Red Devils

Romelu Lukaku returns for the last international week with the Red Devils of 2024. There was no need for much massage from national coach Domenico Tedesco. “He is very motivated to help.”

The Red Devils still had to make do without their record scorer against Italy and France, but Romelu Lukaku will return to the national team for the rematch against Italy.

However, the attacker had noted in a Friends of Sports podcast that “the fire was no longer burning” for the Red Devils. Did the national coach have to take out his matches?

“No, I didn’t have to convince him,” Tedesco said. “He is very motivated to be here. We have not had a conversation to convince him, because I have never done that.”

“Convincing a player is the wrong way to play for the national team because it is a great honor. Lukaku is very motivated to help and it is a good sign that he is back.”

Lukaku is very motivated to help and it is a good sign that he is back.

Domenico Tedesco

Domenico Tedesco was visibly relieved to have the Napoli striker in his selection. “He is very important,” the national coach admitted. “He is one of the best strikers in the world.”

“His numbers speak for themselves, again in Serie A. However, it was not easy for him to join without preparation.”

“Lukaku no longer has to prove anything to anyone. His qualities are clear. He is important on and off the field, because he is a natural leader who can help the young players.”

It has not yet been decided whether Lukaku will be on the field against Italy (November 14) and against Israel (November 17). “I will discuss that with him,” said Tedesco. “We will find a solution. I am open to it.”

Lukaku had already stated in the podcast that the World Cup was his big goal, but he also raised problems with the federation during the failed European Championship.

“I didn’t listen to it, but I heard about it,” Tedesco said. “We haven’t talked about it yet, because I mainly trust what he tells me himself.”

“I have a good, strong relationship with Romelu, so I trust what he says to me directly. And I will continue to do so, because it is the best way to build a relationship of trust. I think what he tells others So not that important.”