‘Some people didn't want it’ - Lukaku reveals how he was extorted trying to bring his dad’s corpse to Europe

Roger Lukaku, a former international for Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) who concluded his playing career in Belgium, passed away last month at the age of 58.

He began his career with Vita Club in his home country before moving to Ivory Coast, before relocating to Belgium in 1990 and playing for several clubs, including Boom, Seraing, and Mechelen, and also had a short spell in Turkey with Genclerbirligi.

Following Roger's passing, tributes were paid in Belgium. Lukaku's former club, RSC Anderlecht, displayed an image of him on a stadium screen during a match against Standard de Liège earlier this month.

The Napoli striker revealed that he and his brother Jordan have been denied the opportunity to lay their father to rest as they had wished.

In a heartfelt statement posted on Instagram, via Daily Mail, Romelu explained the distressing situation. 

"As you may know, we planned to have the funeral this Friday, but because of certain decisions being made in Kinshasa (capital of DR Congo), the funeral will take place over there," he wrote.

"Our dad passed away on the 28th of September and we as brothers tried everything to bring his corpse back to Europe but we felt that we were being extorted by some people," Lukaku continued.

"If our father was here today he wouldn't accept it. It breaks our soul for us to not put our father to rest. 

“But some people didn't want it." He added, "We understand now why our dad used to keep us away from a lot of people."