Lukaku elated to rejoin Milan
Romelu Lukaku has expressed his delight after rejoining Inter Milan on loan from Chelsea.
Lukaku headed to Chelsea last year for £97.5million (Sh13.9b), but, despite some encouraging early signs, the move didn’t work out.
The Belgium international was clearly unsettled in London and made no secret of his desire to return to Inter, who he initially joined in 2019.
After the move was confirmed on Wednesday, Lukaku revealed he had remained in touch with Inter coach Simone Inzaghi after his departure last summer and was pleased to be back.
Asked what convinced him to return, he said: ‘The affection of the fans and my team-mates, but also the opportunity to work with the coach.
‘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.
‘It’s like coming home. I think my family and I had a really good time in Milan thanks to the people, the fans and my team-mates. From the first day when I arrived here everyone helped me a lot, I’m really happy.
Previous successes
‘I didn’t even leave my home when I went to England, which shows how happy I am to be back here. Now I just want to see the guys on the pitch.’
Lukaku is now hoping to build on his previous successes with Inter, who finished runners-up to AC Milan and won the Coppa Italia without him last season.
In December, Lukaku said he wanted to return to Inter one day, saying: “I really hope in the depths of my heart to return to Inter, not at the end of my career, but at a still good level to hopefully win more.”
Chelsea decided to let Lukaku leave after talks between Todd Boehly - who was appointed chairman and interim sporting director on Wednesday - and Thomas Tuchel, as well as discussions between Boehly and Lukaku.
The owner and head coach wanted to resolve Lukaku’s future quickly so as they could focus on strengthening their squad this summer.
He said: ‘Inter have given me so much and I hope now to do even better than before.’
Lukaku also thanked president Steven Zhang for closing out the deal after complicated negotiations with Chelsea over the financial terms.
