Romelu Lukaku declares his intention to remain with Inter Milan
The Belgian’s £97.5 million move back to Stamford Bridge has not been successful for the team or the player. Few months after his return, he made a rod for his own back.
Lukaku acknowledged that he yearned for a return to San Siro under Thomas Tuchel and found it difficult to fit into the German’s system during his difficult first season back in the Premier League.
Lukaku got his wish after only scoring eight goals in 26 games played in the top flight during the 2021–22 season. Inter only allowed him to leave on a loan due to their financial difficulties.
There is no option or requirement to make the striker’s temporary transfer to Inter, which cost Inter £6.9 million, permanent. But there have been rumors that he might stay in Italy for an additional year until 2024.
Giuseppe Marotta, the CEO of the Nerazzurri, revealed last month that Lukaku would make his anticipated return to Chelsea at the end of the current campaign despite failing to recapture his best form for Inter.
The former Manchester United and Everton player has a three-season extension on his Chelsea contract. He told reporters over the weekend that he would consider extending his stay in Italy if Inter and Chelsea could come to an agreement.
Lukaku replied, “Yes, I would like to stay at San Siro for a long time if asked directly. But guys you have to pay attention to those things. My intention is to give Inter my very best.
“I have a great rapport with the supporters, and I’ve always tried to go above and beyond for Inter because they gave me the chance to win two years ago. I was able to develop into who I am today thanks to this club.
The 29-year-old was speaking following his first brace of the season. He helped Simone Inzaghi’s team to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Empoli in Sunday’s Serie A match.
Lukaku finished five goals behind Cristiano Ronaldo in the Capocannoniere charts in the 2020–21 Serie A season. Scoring 24 goals to help Inter win the championship under Antonio Conte.
The Belgian international, though, has encountered some difficulties this time around. Scoring just nine goals and dishing out three assists in 26 matches for the Nerazzurri in all competitions.
Despite his inconsistent play, Lukaku scored significant goals for Inzaghi’s team against Porto and Benfica in the last 16 and quarterfinals of the Champions League. Respectively, as they prepared to face rival AC Milan in the final four.
Graham Potter, a former Chelsea manager, had given Lukaku the opportunity to restart his Blues career for the 2023–24 season. But the Englishman’s dismissal leaves the striker’s future in doubt.
Now that Pochettino is the front-runner to manage Chelsea, it is unclear if he will give Lukaku another chance.
Romelu Lukaku declares his intention to remain with Inter Milan
