Former Inter Milan and Belgium midfielder Radja Nainggolan has predicted in an interview with La Derniere Heure via Tutto Mercato Web that Romelu Lukaku will retire from international football soon.
The Chelsea loanee made his first appearance of the World Cup in the final few minutes of Belgium’s dire loss to Morocco in the group stages.
The game was notable for the superb performance of Hakim Ziyech, who is likely looking to rise his stock at the international tournament.
Belgium meanwhile are in turmoil. Reports of rifts in the camp have broken over the last few days.
Lukaku’s personal tournament has been interrupted by injury problems suffered at his current loan club, Inter.
Former Red Devil Nainggolan has claimed that his woes are affecting his playing style, meaning he may decide to hang up his shirt to prioritise his club career.
Nainggolan tips Lukaku for retirement
He said: “A footballer becomes more susceptible to injuries from the age of 30. Before the age of thirty I could continue racing, but that’s not the case anymore. Romelu is more explosive than me and if he can’t play on that strength anymore, he’s no longer the real Romelu.
“I doubt he will continue to wear the Belgium shirt for long, because at a certain age you think to your body as well.”
Belgium are on the brink of disaster today, as they prepare for their final match of the group against Croatia.
Anything other than a win will almost certainly see them out of the competition, relying on Canada to score a heavy victory over Morocco if they at least pick up a point.
With a team on the way out of their ‘golden generation’, they will be required to put together one of their best performances in recent years to advance to the knockout stages.
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