Football News : Lukaku: I'll never forgive AVB

By ESPN staff

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has launched a stinging criticism of former manager Andre Villas-Boas, insisting he will "never forgive" the Portuguese boss.

PA PhotosRomelu Lukaku has struggled for game-time in his first season at Chelsea

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Lukaku, 19, believes that he was sidelined by Villas-Boas from the day he arrived at the club, saying the former Porto boss did not treat him with respect.

Although Lukaku was signed during the Villas-Boas era at Stamford Bridge, he was bought as a result of a long-standing scouting project by the club - not at Villas-Boas' request.

Speaking after Chelsea's Champions League triumph, Lukaku told Sport Wereld: "I could not believe it. I had to think 'Is this really happening'? European champion ... My life has changed and I'm only nineteen.

"But there is one person that I will never forgive for what he did to me - the previous coach. It's not just that. It was also the way he spoke to me and treated me. Right from the beginning, it was weird. I could not stand how he was treating me. I received no explanation.

"In training he put me on the right or left wing. In training matches I was a substitute with a shirt to keep swapping teams. I really learned nothing! I have told the club that too. I understand that he was under pressure, but I was also thinking of myself. I have improved in recent months."