Transfer News: Romelu Lukaku says first words after sealing Inter Milan move from Chelsea
Inter Milan have announced that Romelu Lukaku had returned on loan from Chelsea for the 2022/23 campaign. According to ESPN, Chelsea will receive a €12million loan fee including bonuses.
Lukaku had a disastrous return to Stamford Bridge last season, following a title-winning campaign with the Nerazzurri. The then former Inter-man failed to replicate his Scudetto-winning form when Chelsea ended their season finishing third in the league and losing the Carabao Cup and FA cup final.
The Belgian is now going to play at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza for the upcoming season, hoping to impress any potential suitors for him or convince Thomas Tuchel that he can still play a part at the Bridge.
A win-win situation
The Belgium international made a total of 44 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, scoring 15 and assisting 2. While that isn’t a horrible tally, it was clear that Tuchel wasn’t open to making the former Manchester United star his undisputed number 9.
In recent times, we have seen Kai Havertz deputising in a false nine role on a lot of occasions for Tuchel. Following his return back to Milan, the Belgian was very happy and excited to give his all on the pitch. In an interview to Inter TV, Lukaku said:
“It’s an amazing feeling. What we achieved here a year ago was fantastic. That goes for the team, the fans and also me personally. Inter have given me so much and I hope to do even better than last time. It’s now time to work hard as a squad and hopefully do even better than before. It’s like coming home.”
This will hurt some Chelsea fans who expected Lukaku to show this enthusiasm and motivation at Stamford Bridge. However, this was a good move for both the club and the player as it will allow the club to get in a player who will be willing to play for the team.
Chelsea are yet to make a signing this summer even after seeing an exodus of players. Following the new ownership of the club, Tuchel has the task of revamping his squad in hopes to win some silverware next season. The Blues have been linked with different players with Raphinha, Raheem Sterling and Matthijs de Ligt being some of the names on the shortlist.
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It remains to be seen who becomes the first signing of the new era at Chelsea. Tuchel will hope to secure some players ahead of the pre-season. Who all arrive before the next season will be interesting to see but it is clear that there is now a Lukaku-sized void to fill in our squad.
