Gary Neville defends Romelu Lukaku as Chelsea star axed after controversial interview

'I know Chelsea's owners and players don't want to hear it but from our point of view, he's told the truth.'

Gary Neville has defended striker Romelu Lukaku after the Belgian revealed that he was 'unhappy' at Chelsea in a recent interview. Lukaku has been dropped from the squad for Chelsea's clash against the Reds on Sunday after stating that he was unhappy at Stamford Bridge. The former Inter Milan forward has attracted criticism from a number of people for his comments, including former Blues striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. The 28-year-old - who has scored in successive Premier League games - gave an interview in December where he made several revelations, including a comment that he was unhappy with the style of play boss Thomas Tuchel was opting for. However, Hasselbaink's fellow Sky Sports pundit Neville has come to the defence of Lukaku, admitting that he has 'told the truth' and that he can't be critical of him because it is 'authentic'. https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1477657056484155394

Neville on "authentic" Romelu Lukaku

Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville said: "I've been very critical of football players over this last three or four months for standard, bland PR messages, not being themselves and when a player comes out and is truthful and authentic.

"I can't stand here and say that it's something I don't want to hear. I know Chelsea's fans don't want to hear it, I know Chelsea's owners and players don't want to hear it but from our point of view, he's told the truth. "What I would say though, it is very difficult to unravel the truth when it's so cutting as that was the other day."

Lukaku, who has scored seven goals and grabbed two assists in 18 appearances since his return to Chelsea in the summer, has missed nine matches through injury this season. Related links:

• Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink slams ‘disrespectful’ Romelu Lukaku for explosive interview
• Romelu Lukaku admits he wanted to stay at Inter in the summer
• Romelu Lukaku says he is unhappy with Thomas Tuchel’s system at Chelsea

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