Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku has become the latest footballing figure to be involved in what has been dubbed as ‘Coca-Cola gate’.
The controversy began on Monday, when Cristiano Ronaldo removed two bottles of Coca-Cola prior to his press conference.
Coca-Cola reportedly saw $4 billion taken off its market value as a result of Ronaldo’s action.
Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli then did the same after he scored a brace in Italy’s 3-0 win over Switzerland on Tuesday night.
Yesterday, England boss Gareth Southgate defended Coca-Cola, explaining how funding from sponsorship helps sport to function. He was supported by Three Lions captain Harry Kane.
Now Lukaku has had his say, and jokingly suggested that Coca-Cola call up his management team, Roc Nation Sports, about working together.
He simply said: “Coca-Cola, call Roc Nation, we can work together.”
Lukaku’s Belgium beat Denmark 2-1 in Copenhagen, after goals from Thorgan Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne in the second half.
The victory confirms Roberto Martinez‘s side’s place in the last-16 of the competition.
Lukaku’s comments occurred just hours after Ukraine forward Andriy Yarmolenko added his name to the fast-growing list of footballers that have mentioned Coca-Cola this week.
Unlike Ronaldo, though, Yarmolenko took a rather move positive approach to the drinks company.
At the end of his press conference, he exclaimed: “I’m taking Coca-Cola. I’m taking Heineken. Get in touch with me!”
? “@CocaCola and @Heineken contact me please!”
— SPORF (@Sporf) June 17, 2021
? Don't ever change, Andriy Yarmolenko! #EURO2020 #UKR pic.twitter.com/D58NDArt9k
With another three Euro 2020 group games scheduled for today, we’re sure to see even more developments in this story as the on-pitch action continues.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
