Romelu Lukaku is recovering well from Covid-19 and determined to play a major part in Chelsea’s second half to the season and beyond, according to the player’s agent.
The Belgian striker, 28, has endured a stop-start second spell at Stamford Bridge having returned in the summer to the club he first joined in 2011.
Arriving in August from Inter Milan for a club-record £97.5 million ($129m), Lukaku began the season well, scoring four goals in his first four matches.
However, he then went six games without finding the net before picking up an ankle injury in mid-October during the Uefa Champions League clash against Malmo.
Lukaku, who spent three years at Chelsea initially, was back available late last month, although manager Thomas Tuchel named him on the substitute's bench for four consecutive matches.
The former Manchester United and Everton frontman returned to the starting line-up earlier this month in the Champions League tie against Zenit St Petersburg, scoring his side’s second in a 3-3 draw.
Lukaku was a late substitute in the recent Premier League win against Leeds United, but has missed two games this past week having contracted Covid-19. He was one of four Chelsea players to test positive before last Wednesday's match against Everton. In all, Lukaku has five goals in 16 appearances this campaign.
The forward’s agent, Federico Pastorello, told The National that Lukaku is well on the road to recovery, saying injury and illness have hampered significantly his impact since rejoining the club.
“He started very well, so he was very happy,” said Pastorello, founder and CEO of P&P Sport Management. “After there were some games where Chelsea struggled and he suffered a little bit from this problem.
“Then against Malmo he was playing brilliantly, but unfortunately got this injury, and it lasted almost two months. And now when he was ready to play again in the starting XI against Everton, unfortunately he got Covid. So it’s a very tough period for him, because he wants to play all the games.
“But one more week and then after he will be again available, and probably he will need a couple of training sessions more to recover his physical condition after 10 days at home because of Covid. But I think that the second part of the season will be really amazing for him.”
Reports emerged in England this week that Lukaku was already considering a move back to Italy. Having signed for Inter from Manchester United in 2019, the Belgium international scored 64 goals in 95 appearances across two campaigns, helping fire the San Siro club last season to a first Scudetto in 11 years.
Regarding the reports linking Lukaku to Serie A, Pastorello said: “No, rumours and journalists is normal; they do their job, but this was never a concern for us. When we decided to move to Chelsea it was a very hard choice. We did it because we were - and we are - sure it was the right thing to do in this period of his career.
“[Romelu] arrived with a lot of enthusiasm and in fact started very well, then these two things happen. But we signed a five-year contract, so it’s not just because of 3-4 months when things are not going as we wished, because unfortunately not because of him, but because of the injury and Covid. It is something that are not under your control.
"But he’s very calm, he just really wants to come back as soon as possible, so nothing more. He’s 100 per cent focused now... he was focused to recover from the injury, now again he had Covid, but soon will be fine. And I’m 100 per cent sure that he will really be a sure protagonist of the season for the second part."
Pastorello, who launched his agency in 1996, is nominated for best agent at next week’s Dubai Globe Soccer Awards, thanks in part to Lukaku's transfer to Chelsea. The move represents one of the most prominent this year in world football, with the Italian describing the emotions involved for the player in both leaving Inter and returning to Chelsea.
“This [deal] made me very proud,” Pastorello said. “To be able to make this kind of deal happen is important because you have to understand not only the difficulties linked to [the pandemic], but also the huge involvement of the feelings of this story.
“Because in the past two years, Romelu was really able to become a favourite of all the Inter supporters. He really appreciated so much [the club's owners]. So he was really happy to stay in Milan and in Italy. He loves the food, loves the behaviour of the people.
“And on the other side there was Chelsea that was always his dream club. He arrived there probably too early [aged 18] and unfortunately he was obliged to leave the club without a successful period. He was not able to impress, because probably he arrived too young. The time was not ready.
“So there were really two big things for him: there was Inter in Italy on one side; there was London, with his past and his future also. A player like Romelu was searching for a new challenge where he can win and also at that moment for sure Inter were really facing a very complicated period [financially].
“And, thanks to the money that they took for Romelu, they were able to prepare and face a new season. So, through the sale of [Achraf] Hakimi [to Paris Saint-Germain for a reported initial $68m] and the one of Romelu in particular, I think that Inter is having a very brilliant season this year.
“So, because of all these things, that was a very hard decision and it was a very hard negotiation, but at the end of the day everybody was successful. I think that now everybody is happy.”
What is a calorie?
A food calorie, or kilocalorie, is a measure of nutritional energy generated from what is consumed.
One calorie, is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1°C.
A kilocalorie represents a 1,000 true calories of energy.
Energy density figures are often quoted as calories per serving, with one gram of fat in food containing nine calories, and a gram of protein or carbohydrate providing about four.
Alcohol contains about seven calories a gram.
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
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More from Armen Sarkissian
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes
FORSPOKEN
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Diablo%20IV
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Assassin's%20Creed%20Mirage
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Starfield
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Results:
5pm: Handicap (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600 metres
Winner: Dasan Da, Saeed Al Mazrooei (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
Winner: AF Saabah, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Handicap (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
Winner: Mukaram, Pat Cosgrave, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) | Dh80,000 | 2,200m
Winner: MH Tawag, Richard Mullen, Elise Jeanne
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) | Dh70,000 | 1,400m
Winner: RB Inferno, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) | Dh100,000 | 1,600m
Winner: Juthoor, Jim Crowley, Erwan Charpy
Astroworld
Travis Scott
Grand Hustle/Epic/Cactus Jack
The view from The National
Points tally
1. Australia 52; 2. New Zealand 44; 3. South Africa 36; 4. Sri Lanka 35; 5. UAE 27; 6. India 27; 7. England 26; 8. Singapore 8; 9. Malaysia 3
Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
