Romelu Lukaku Breaks Silence After Sealing Chelsea Exit To Make Inter Milan Return

Chelsea’s club-record signing Romelu Lukaku has broken his silence after re-joining Inter Milan on a season-long loan.

The forward struggled after his £97.5 million return to Stamford Bridge and clearly fell out of favour under Thomas Tuchel.

Scoring 15 goals across the season, Lukaku struggled to adapt to the high pressing system employed by the German tactician. 

The Belgian’s relationship with the Blues head coach was 'badly strained' after he conducted an unauthorised interview with Sky Italia admitting that he dreamt of a return to Inter one day.

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly wasn't fully convinced about allowing the 29-year-old to depart on loan but decided that backing Tuchel was the right call ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Speaking upon his return to Milan, Lukaku was all smiles as he admitted his pleasure at being back in the Serie A. 

Lukaku said: "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!" 

The forward then continued to reveal that he has had contact with Inter manager Simone Inzaghi prior to the move.

"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.

"I have been in contact with Inzaghi all season. I have already heard practically all of the my companions, they are my brothers, they pushed hard to get me back "

Inter will pay €7 million plus add-ons as part of the loan move with there being no clause to purchase the Belgian upon the end of the deal.

Despite Lukaku’s departure being confirmed on Wednesday night, his lawyer, Sébastien Ledure, remained unsure over what will happen in 2023.

Speaking to Sky Italia, the man who orchestrated the move said: "What happens next year? We don’t know yet, we’ll see in 2023 - now’s time to enjoy his comeback."

Tuchel is set to make his first moves in the transfer window in terms of incomings and replace Lukaku.

Leeds United's Raphinha could come through the doors at Stamford Bridge after the clubs agreed a fee in excess of £55 million, while Raheem Sterling is hoped to join as the Blues bolster their attack.

Kai Havertz filled in as a false nine, with much success last season, and Chelsea could opt for this once more as they look to close the gap at the top of the Premier League.

It is unclear as to whether the Blues will seek another number nine to replace Lukaku this summer, with the market for traditional strikers looking weak.

Liverpool have strengthened in attack, adding Darwin Nunez from Benfica, while Manchester City added Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland.

Tuchel will be hoping to move past the Lukaku era at Stamford Bridge and put last season behind him, despite him only departing on an initial one-year loan.

It remains to be seen as to whether the Italian side will look to bring Lukaku in on a permanent after his initial season.