01 January 2023 , 16:58
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Romelu Lukaku says he was allowed to leave Chelsea for Inter Milan after laying bare his issues with Thomas Tuchel in a frank conversation with Todd Boehly.
Lukaku rejoined Inter in June, signing for the Italian side on a season-long loan deal. The move came just a year after the Belgian striker had re-signed for the Blues for a club-record £97.5million.
His return to Chelsea had become a nightmare for Lukaku, who managed just eight goals in 26 Premier League games in the 2021/22 season. The 29-year-old’s struggles were exacerbated by his poor relationship with Tuchel, who was often in conflict with his star striker.
Lukaku was disciplined after giving an unauthorised interview to Sky Sports Italia in which he admitted he was “not happy” and took a swipe at Tuchel’s tactics. The two did not get on well and the German’s leadership was one of the main reasons why Lukaku wanted to move back to Italy in the summer.
Now back at Inter, he has given another interview to Sky Sports Italia in which he reflected on the situation in the summer. Chelsea were taken over by a consortium fronted by American businessman Boehly in May – and he was key to getting the deal done.
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"A few days after the Nations League match against the Netherlands, I spoke to the new owner of Chelsea,” Lukaku said. “It was a great chat in which I told him the whole truth, my version of what had happened and my relationship with Tuchel at that moment there.
Thomas Tuchel clashed with Romelu Lukaku (Robin Jones/Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Was Thomas Tuchel to blame for Romelu Lukaku's poor form at Chelsea last season? Comment below.
“Then I decided to return to Inter, I had the opportunity and he opened the door for me. I started talking to the club and from that moment things went really fast. We talked for two weeks intensely then I left all the last details to my lawyer.”
Inter agreed to pay a total of £10.3m for Lukaku, made up of a £6.9m loan fee plus £3.4m in bonuses. The Italian side are also paying the entirety of Lukaku’s wages, although the striker did agree to a 30 per cent wage cut to make the loan happen.
Romelu Lukaku has struggled for fitness at Inter Milan (Mattia Ozbot/Inter via Getty Images)Speaking upon his arrival in Milan, Lukaku was clear about his reasoning for leaving Chelsea and joining his old team, who are managed by Simone Inzaghi. "The affection of the fans and my teammates, but also the opportunity to work with the coach,” he said.
“I stayed in contact with him all last season. I think the coach is doing well with the team. I want to contribute and do good for this club.”
Lukaku has struggled with injuries this season, contributing just one goal and one assist in four Serie A appearances so far.