Romelu Lukaku Returns To Inter Milan On Loan, Just A Year After Leaving For Chelsea.
Chelsea have confirmed that Romelu Lukaku has returned to Inter Milan on a season-long loan, after he completed his medical examinations and paperworks today in Milan.
Lukaku’s second stint at Chelsea has temporary come to an end, having joined the club last summer from Inter where he just won the Series A title.
Lukaku had previously left Chelsea in 2014 to sign with Everton for £28 million, but made a five-year return to Stamford Bridge last summer.
The West London club paid Inter a club-record £97.5m for Lukaku lwhich followed with so much hype from the Blues fans.
But just before Christmas 2021, he said in an unauthorized interview with Sky Italia that he was “not happy” and hoped to rejoin the Italian side.
Having expressed his love on a return to Inter after leaving the side four months ago, the specific interview was perceived very unprofessional, and was never going to be brushed under the carpet, as it felt like he threw the whole team under the bus.
Meanwhile, Inter have now agreed to pay a loan fee of about €8m (£6.9m) for Lukaku who accepted a 35 per cent pay cut of his £325,000-a-week wages to push through the move, and will wear the Number 90 jersey.
The Belgium striker was not a regular starter for Chelsea last season but scored 15 goals in all competitions, finishing as the club top scorer, as he struggled to adapt to the high pressing system employed by the German tactician.
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Speaking upon his return to Milan, Lukaku was all smiles as he admitted his pleasure at being back in the Serie A.
"I'm back baby. I'm very happy. Remember three years ago when we were here? Good to be back. That's what we are here for (to score lots of goals), I keep my promises you know that. Thanks for having me. Forza, Inter!"... Lukaku said
The 29-year-old forward then continued taking swipes at Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel;
"I have been in contact with Simone Inzaghi throughout last season, the teammates are my brothers, they pushed hard to get me back "
"It's a strong emotion. Inter have given me a lot and I want to do better than before. It's like coming home," he continued.
It remains to be seen as to whether the Italian side will look to bring Lukaku in on a permanent after his initial season.
“I am very happy.” Inter President Steven Zhang added: “The big boss is back. It is like deja vu, coming back here again.”
👀🖤💙#FORZAINTER pic.twitter.com/T18spEjNat
— Inter (@Inter) June 29, 2022
Chelsea can now focus on attacking incomes, with manager Thomas Tuchel hoping to move past the Lukaku era at Stamford Bridge and put last season behind him.
Lukaku's exit leaves the Blues short of options going forward in terms of recognised No.9 striker, though Tuchel has regularly played Kai Havertz as a false 9 during his 18 months in charge.
Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic could also be options, along with returning loanee Armando Broja.
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