'It was pretty toxic' - Belgium star reveals he considered shock retirement after Euro 2024 loss to France as he bemoans atmosphere in squad

Romelu Lukaku is one of the greatest Belgian footballers of all-time, and is also the Red Devils' highest ever scorer with 86 goals in 121 caps. However, the former Chelsea and Manchester United striker told reporters this week that he was close to calling it quits after Belgium's round-of-16 elimination at the hands of France, citing a "toxic" dressing-room atmosphere as one of the reasons.

The Belgian national team has been at the centre of controversy in recent years. After a group-stage draw against Ukraine that secured their qualification to the knockout rounds, Kevin De Bruyne made the bold decision to lead his team-mates away from applauding the supporters after they had jeered the team, expressing their frustrations at perceived poor performances.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, meanwhile, reversed his retirement decision following the departure of former head coach Domenico Tedesco. Indeed, his return to the Belgium squad under new boss Rudi Garcia sparked controversy, with fellow goalkeeper Koen Casteels quitting in protest.

Speaking to the press on international duty earlier this week, Lukaku shed light on Belgium's disappointing Euro 2024 campaign and how it affected him mentally, leading him to almost consider a shock retirement.

"I thought about stopping after the Euro and the loss against France," Lukaku told reporters (h/t Get French Football News). "I was very frustrated and told Jan Vertonghen that I wasn’t feeling it anymore. Too much had happened too quickly. But I couldn’t abandon my country.

"During tournaments, I focus entirely on the team. Afterwards, it was difficult to digest the Euro. The atmosphere was quite toxic, and the results were not there. I don’t react well to defeat, but that has always been my strength too. Maybe I need to open up a little more."

Lukaku scored the only goal for Belgium in their 3-1 defeat to Ukraine in the first leg of the Nations League play-off on March 20. He will be hoping to inspire a comeback in the return leg at home, slated to be played on Sunday, March 23.