Lukaku continues with Belgium, named co-captain

Romelu Lukaku, Belgium's all-time leading scorer, has decided to continue playing for the national team. He had considered retirement after the team's disappointing performance in the 2024 European Championship. However, he feels encouraged by the new management's vision. The new head coach, Rudi Garcia, has named Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne as co-captains. Lukaku will lead the team as they face Ukraine in the first leg of their Nations League playoff in Murcia, Spain. Lukaku expressed his disappointment after Belgium was eliminated by France in the last-16 of Euro 2024. He talked about feeling disconnected from the team and mentioned that he found the atmosphere during the tournament challenging. He has not played in previous Nations League matches but was convinced to stay on after talks with the Belgian football association's new technical director, Vincent Mannaert. He emphasized the need to focus on the future and restore Belgium's winning attitude. Lukaku has scored 85 goals in 120 matches for Belgium since making his debut in 2010. He is determined to show the team's pride and commitment to their supporters.