13.08.2026 08:40
Romelu Lukaku, who reached a 1+1 year agreement with Fenerbahçe, has arrived in Istanbul. The Belgian star delighted the fans who welcomed him by leading them in a Turkish three-part chant. As Lukaku shouted "Yellow!", the fans responded "Dark Blue!", and for "Champion!", they replied "Fener!", creating great excitement at the airport.
The private plane carrying Romelu Lukaku, who has joined Fenerbahce's squad, departed from Brussels, the capital of Belgium, and landed at Sabiha Gokcen Airport's General Aviation Terminal. At the airport, the star striker was welcomed by Fenerbahce Football Director Oguz Cetin and some board and Football A.S. executives.
"WE WANT TO BE CHAMPIONS THIS SEASON"
Speaking to FBTV at the airport, Lukaku expressed his happiness about his transfer to Fenerbahce, saying, "I am very happy. I thank our president Aziz Yildirim, Cihan Kamer, Oguz Cetin, and our coach Ismail Kartal. They trusted me. I felt it. Our goal and desire is to be champions this season. That's why I am here. I will work hard to help my team."
Emphasizing that every match is important, Lukaku noted that they need to show the necessary fight, stating he has joined a quality team and wants to contribute to achieving the championship goal.
THANKED THE FANS
Thanking the fans for the messages sent to him, the Belgian striker stated he would do his best for Fenerbahce. Lukaku said he believes they can achieve great results by working hard and is happy with the love shown to him.
EXCHANGED CHANTS WITH THE FANS
Before leaving the airport, Romelu Lukaku greeted the fans who came to welcome him. While the Belgian star called out "Yellow!", the fans responded with "Navy-blue!". When Lukaku said "Champion!", the yellow-navy fans responded with chants of "Fener!". The 33-year-old goalscorer is expected to sign a contract with the yellow-navy club after undergoing medical checks.
OGUZ CETIN HAD ANNOUNCED THE TRANSFER
Fenerbahce Football Director Oguz Cetin had announced the completion of Lukaku's transfer in a statement on FBTV. Cetin stated they had thoroughly evaluated the injury process Lukaku experienced in the last year and noted that the Belgian footballer continues to work with his own physiotherapist.
"I MUST BE THERE ON FENERBAHCE'S PATH TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP"
Oguz Cetin stated that Lukaku was very eager to come to Fenerbahce, quoting the player as saying, "I must be there on Fenerbahce's path to the championship."
Cetin also stated that Lukaku had the 2 million Euros Napoli demanded from Fenerbahce deducted from his own receivables and paid 150 thousand Euros out of his own pocket.
Noting that the Belgian goalscorer signed a 1+1 year contract with Fenerbahce, Cetin said the +1 year option would be exercised in case of a championship.
"BEING PART OF THIS CLUB IS AN HONOR FOR ME"
Lukaku, who also shared a message wearing a Fenerbahce scarf, said joining the yellow-navy club was an honor and privilege for him. Thanking the management and the head coach for their trust in him, Lukaku said, "I am 100 percent ready to step on the field."
RETURN TO TURKEY MOVED HIM
Lukaku, who spent part of his childhood in Turkey because his father Roger Lukaku played for Genclerbirligi in the 1996-1997 season, also expressed that his arrival in Istanbul was emotional for him.
The Belgian star stated he lived in Turkey as a little child and discovered the professional football world with his father here, saying he is proud to return to Turkey with Fenerbahce years later.
316 GOALS IN HIS CAREER
The striker of Democratic Republic of Congo descent, who started football at Anderlecht, wore the jerseys of Chelsea, West Bromwich, Everton, Manchester United, Inter, Roma, and Napoli. The 33-year-old Lukaku scored 316 goals in 681 matches played for these teams.
Having won two Italian and two Belgian championships in his career, Lukaku won one FIFA Club World Cup, one Italian Cup, and one English Cup each, as well as two Italian Super Cups.
A total transfer fee of 370 million Euros was paid for Lukaku throughout his career, who scored 93 goals in 132 matches for the Belgian National Team.