Gary Neville says Romelu Lukaku must ask the Chelsea dressing room for forgiveness following his much-publicised interview before being reintegrated into the first-team setup. Lukaku was left out of the Chelsea squad for the visit of Liverpool on Sunday after an interview emerged last week where he revealed his unhappiness at his situation at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea news: Romelu Lukaku must ask for forgiveness from his team-mates, says Gary Neville (Image: GETTY/SKY SPORTS)
"What I wouldn't expect off Romelu Lukaku in the next few days is: 'Sorry, I didn't mean it'," Neville told Sky Sports.
"Before the game I said the best anyone could hope for now is more truth.
"'Look, I said the words I said, maybe I should have held them to myself, but they were the truth, however, I will commit to my team-mates, I'm sorry that I've caused the problems that I've caused to my team-mates in the build-up to a big game'.
"Because that's the thing I think he does have to apologise for, that he's taken away from the preparation of a match.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"It's what Thomas Tuchel pointed to before the game, that's why he's left him out.
"Never a good time for it but before you're playing one of the best teams in the country on a Sunday, in a massive match, the timing wasn't great.
"It never was going to be great but it certainly wasn't great this time.
"So I think the best he can do is ask for forgiveness in the dressing room from his team-mates."
Neville has been in similar situations in the past during his playing days at United and reckons Lukaku will come back into the Chelsea side at some point.
Trending
Chelsea news: Romelu Lukaku is the record signing for the Blues (Image: EXPRESS)
"Romelu Lukaku will be reintegrated," he continued.
"I don't believe it's a case of he leaves the club, 'get him out in January'. I believe he can be reintegrated.
"I saw it at Manchester United a couple of times where players made mistakes, they made their desire known to leave and the manager said 'no, you're not leaving' and they were reintegrated, they were forgiven and they did perform well for the club in the future."