Romelu Lukaku appears to react to Roberto Martinez's appointment as Belgium manager

The Everton striker has previously admitted that 'things were broken' between Martinez and his players at Goodison Park

Mark Critchley
Thursday 04 August 2016 13:29 BST
Comments
Lukaku appeared to react to news of Martinez's appointment
Lukaku appeared to react to news of Martinez's appointment

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Romelu Lukaku appeared to react to the news of Roberto Martinez’s appointment as the Belgium national team manager during Wayne Rooney’s testimonial on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old Everton striker was caught looking surprised and disappointed by television cameras moments after the news of his former manager’s new job broke.

Lukaku, who won 49 caps for Belgium, put his head into his hands before appearing to mouth something to his teammates.

Lukaku was later seen with his arm around club and international team-mate Kevin Mirallas, whispering to him, leading many to speculate that they were discussing Martinez’s appointment.


Martinez was dismissed as Everton’s manager at the end of last season following a disappointing bottom-half finish and just two wins in their last 11 games.

Following the Catalan’s departure, Lukaku admitted that the players had lost confidence in Martinez.

When things are broken between the manager and the players, it become difficult.

&#13; <p>Romelu Lukaku on the end of Roberto Martinez's Everton tenure</p>&#13;

"The team did not perform at all,” he said in May. “We won two of our last 11 games. When things are broken between the manager and the players, it become difficult.”

Lukaku was substituted in the 66th minute of the pre-season friendly against Manchester United at Old Trafford, which ended goalless.

The former Chelsea striker missed a good opportunity to head Everton in front just before half-time, seeing his effort skim wide of the far post.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in