Former Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku paid a heartbreaking tribute to his father Roger on Monday
Romelu Lukaku.
The father of former Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has passed away.
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Former Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has posted a heartbreaking tribute after the passing of his father, aged 58. Messages have flooded in for Belgium's all-time leading goalscorer following the loss, which was confirmed on social media.
Lukaku made the move to Old Trafford in 2017 after United beat Chelsea to his signature from Everton, in a deal worth a reported £75million. He has since gone on to play for Inter Milan and AS Roma, with a spell back at Stamford Bridge - where he made 44 appearances, scoring 15 times.
Napoli became his permanent home last season and he helped them beat Inter to the Scudetto.
His current teammates and the wider footballing community supported the 32-year-old after he shared an emotional tribute on social media.
"Thank you for teaching me everything I know. I’m forever grateful and appreciate you," he said, sharing an old picture with his father.
"Life will never be the same. Protecting and guiding me like no one else could.
"I won’t be the same. The pain and tears are flowing big time.
"But God will give me the strength to get myself back together. Merci pour tout.
"Roger Menama Lukaku. Vieux Roy (for his friends). Mon Papa."
Napoli have shown their support, they wrote: "President Aurelio De Laurentiis, Vice President Edoardo De Laurentiis, coach Antonio Conte, sporting director Giovanni Manna, the executives, the technical staff, the team, and the entire SSC Napoli join Romelu Lukaku in this moment of profound grief for the passing of his dear father Roger.
The Belgium Football Association offered their prayers in a statement, they wrote: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lukaku family, following the passing of Roger Lukaku."
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