Romelu Lukaku vows to keep Antonio Conte at Napoli amidst exit rumours

Romelu Lukaku has insist he ‘will do everything’ to keep Antonio Conte at Napoli amidst rumours of the coach leaving in order to rejoin his former club Juventus.

Conte performed a miraculous turn around with Napoli in his first season in charge, beating Inter Milan to the Serie A title. However, reports in Italy have claimed Conte has already made his decision to leave Napoli and that there will be a ‘decisive’ meeting on Tuesday after the club’s title celebrations and open-top bus parade on Monday.

With three-year still left on his existing Napoli contract, the 55-year-old is reportedly close to returning to Juventus with former Bianconeri head coach Massimiliano Allegri primed to replace him at the Stadio Maradona.

Lukaku who enjoyed a great reunion with Conte has now voiced out his plan. While celebrating Napoli’s Scudetto at the team’s open-top bus parade on Monday, the former Inter Milan forward told the press that owes a lot to Conte and that he will ‘do everything to keep him here’.

Lukaku and Conte celebrates the Serie A title victory at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 23, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by SSC NAPOLI/SSC NAPOLI via Getty Images)

The Belgian also compared himself to NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and added that Conte is his Phil Jackson.

“There’s too much emotion. We did a great job and I’, happy for all these people, as well as for us, the team, the club and the coach. We never gave up and we deserve this success” Lukaku told Rai, reported via TMW.

Lukaku also explained how easy the decision was to join Napoli during the last summer transfer window after speaking to Conte, with whom he also worked at Inter.

“The call lasted 15 seconds,” the Belgian explained. “As soon as I saw his number, I immediately understood and got ready.

“He’s my Phil Jackson and I’m his Shaquille O’Neal,” Lukaku said when explaining his relationship with Conte.

“I want to enjoy this moment. I have a three-year contract and I will do everything to keep him (Conte) here/ I always talk to him, I told him to stay.”