Romelu Lukaku says he returned to Chelsea from Inter because ‘the team is doing well and everything is there for it to be successful.’
The Belgian star returned to Stamford Bridge in the summer after two years in the Black and Blue half of Milan.
Lukaku scored 64 goals in 95 appearances under Antonio Conte before completing a €115m move to Chelsea last summer, returning to the club after 10 years.
He had first joined Chelsea in 2011 before moving to West Bromwich on loan and Everton on a permanent deal.
“I knew I would improve as a player, so it was just about timing,” the 28-year-old told Chelsea.com about his return to Stamford Bridge.
“I had two opportunities to come back, in 2016 and 2017, but it didn’t happen for various reasons.
“It happened because now is the right time, the right age, the team is doing well and everything is there for it to be successful.”
Marotta opens up about Lukaku’s move to Chelsea, Haaland and Dybala
Inter sold Lukaku in the summer to balance the books. Antonio Conte and Achraf Hakimi had left the Nerazzurri just a few weeks before Lukaku’s return to London.
The club’s director Beppe Marotta explained the striker’s exit earlier last week, claiming he doesn’t feel betrayed by his request to move back to Stamford Bridge.
The Belgian star has scored four goals in nine appearances with the Premier League giants so far this season.
'It gave me the mentality and the mindset that I needed to become the player I am today.' 👊
Get more from @RomeluLukaku9 here. ⤵️
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 11, 2021
We have heard enough Rom, you betrayed us, could have been a legend here, but you opted to go back to chelsea where as we can all see hasn’t been so rosy. Mark my words lukaku will be a laughing stock this season in England
Mercenary to the core.
Doesn’t happen very often but I’m 100% with the Inter fans on this one. How can you kiss the badge, call Inter and/or Milan “Home” and then jump ship with little-to-no resistance from him. I think the financial situation at Inter has probably facilitated this partly, too, but ultimately if he didn’t want to go he could’ve said no..
Nobody is above the club. Let`s see how Lukaku will perform there, without Conte, Pintus and his italian diet.