Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku declined the opportunity to wear Napoli’s number 9 shirt, opting for the number 11 out of respect for Victor Osimhen.

Lukaku joined Napoli after Osimhen’s relationship with the club soured following unsuccessful transfer attempts to Chelsea and Al Ahli.

The Nigerian striker reportedly vowed not to play for Napoli again, and the club has since confirmed that he will not be reintegrated into the squad.

Lukaku, who signed with Napoli on the transfer deadline day, was offered Osimhen’s number nine shirt but chose to turn it down.

According to sources, the summer signing explained that, “In life, one must show respect.”

He added that, “If Osimhen remains a Napoli player, even if excluded from the squad, the number nine shirt still belongs to him.”

Both players faced off last season in the Serie A (Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images)

According to the report, Romelu Lukaku rejected the Napoli’s offer of the shirt number despite their insistence.

Meanwhile, the Belgian made an immediate impact on his debut at the weekend, scoring as Napoli came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Parma at the Diego Maradona Stadium.