Lukaku’s Shocking Revelation and Immediate Backlash
Romelu Lukaku has found himself in hot water after making startling claims about Inter Milan’s COVID-19 situation during an Instagram Live interview with Belgian broadcaster VIER. The striker alleged that 23 out of 25 Inter players showed coronavirus-like symptoms in January, a statement that sent shockwaves through the football community.
While no Inter players have publicly confirmed contracting the virus, Lukaku insisted: “We returned from our December break, and I swear 23 players were ill. One defender nearly fainted during the Cagliari match.” Though he didn’t name names, Milan Skriniar—substituted after just 17 minutes in that January 26 clash—fits the description.

Inter’s Response and Lukaku’s Apology
Inter Milan swiftly disciplined the Belgian forward, with club sources expressing surprise at his comments. Lukaku later issued an apology, clarifying that no COVID-19 tests were conducted at the time, leaving his claims unverified.
Krikya insider and Serie A analyst Marco Ferrara weighed in: “Lukaku’s remarks were reckless. In a pandemic, unverified statements can cause unnecessary panic. Inter handled this professionally, but it’s a distraction they didn’t need.”
The Bigger Picture: Football and COVID-19
Italy was among Europe’s hardest-hit nations early in the pandemic, with its first confirmed cases emerging just days after Inter’s match against Cagliari. Lukaku’s anecdote raises questions about how clubs monitored player health pre-testing:
- Timing: Symptoms surfaced weeks before Italy’s lockdown.
- Player Welfare: Were protocols overlooked?
- Transparency: Should leagues have acted sooner?

Key Takeaways for Fans
- Accountability Matters: Even star players must weigh their words carefully.
- Health Over Speculation: Without testing, assumptions can’t replace facts.
- Club Discipline: Inter’s response shows zero tolerance for misinformation.
Krikya Verdict: What’s Next for Lukaku and Inter?
While Lukaku’s apology may diffuse tensions, the incident highlights the delicate balance between player candor and club reputation. As Serie A gears up for another intense season, all eyes will be on how Inter manages locker room dynamics post-controversy.
“This serves as a reminder—football isn’t immune to real-world crises,” adds Ferrara. “Clubs must prioritize communication to avoid unnecessary drama.”
What do you think? Was Lukaku wrong to speak out, or did he shine a light on a broader issue? Share your thoughts below and follow Krikya for more in-depth football analysis!

