Former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku was compelled to shed 20lbs by Napoli, having previously been accused of weight issues during his second spell at Stamford Bridge. The Belgian forward rejoined Chelsea in 2021 for a club-record £97.5million, returning after a prolific spell with Inter Milan.
It was far from a dream move for Lukaku, though, as he struggled to recapture his previous form, netting 15 goals in 44 games, before being loaned back to Inter. Upon his return, Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the striker was being put through tough training sessions and had been given a new personalised diet to get him back down to the 101kg that saw him thrive at the San Siro.
Lukaku had previously gained weight while at Manchester United, but his first spell at Inter under ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte revolutionised the Belgian's health in 2019. It was reported that a new diet consisting of fish, shiitake pasta, and raw vegetables led Lukaku to a rapid 10lb weight loss in 12 days. With the pair now reunited at Napoli, Conte and his team challenged the robust forward to lose 9kg (20lbs) before the start of the season.
The 31-year-old had previously attributed his weight issues to a digestive problem. "Normally, I have a fine digestive system," Lukaku told ESPN in 2019. "I digest everything very quickly. That's how it had been my entire life. But what the nutritionist said to me was, it had stopped working."
Upon returning to Chelsea, Lukaku seemingly moved away from this bespoke approach as a way to cope with Premier League defences. However, his permanent switch to Napoli last summer saw Lukaku return to his old health regimen to regain his peak condition.
"I never eat in the morning; I follow a strict diet," Lukaku revealed in a recent interview with Il Corriere dello Sport. "At Inter I weighed 101 kilos and in Napoli I weighed 99. However, my ideal weight is another: 102 kilos," he added.
Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku spent a single season at Chelsea in his second spell before being loaned out (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Lukaku has scored 10 goals and contributed nine assists in 28 matches for Napoli this season, attributing his impressive form to the changes he's made. To maintain his size and power without excess weight, Lukaku's diet now features salads, fish, chicken, and shirataki pasta, which are carbohydrate - and gluten-free - as well as sweet potatoes, black rice, and gnocchi.
The striker has also adopted the "Italian method" to training. In Belgium and England, he would train daily, believing that more time on the pitch would enhance his performance.
In Italy, he discovered the concept of "invisible training," which focuses on adequate rest, hydration, and ample sleep, ultimately aiding his physical and mental recovery.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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