Agent Federico Pastorello released a statement on Romelu Lukaku’s €115m transfer, assuring it was nothing to do with money as Chelsea had been ‘on his mind for years,’ but also confirms Inter directors fought against owners to block the move.
The striker was bitterly criticised by many Nerazzurri fans for walking away just months after winning the Scudetto, which saw them dedicate a mural to him outside the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
He also outlined that he received ‘threats’ and insults, along with Lukaku, and decided to make his position clear by releasing the statement in both Italian and English.
“The narrative – that Lukaku’s transfer was ‘engineered’ and ‘forced’ just to pander to financial interests – is leading everyone absolutely astray.
“Where Lukaku has never publicly expressed any unease or discontent about his experience at FC Internazionale, his contractual situation or the well known events of the Club, the interest of Chelsea has really touched Romelu’s soul from the very first moment, because that club means to him something unique and special.
“In recent days I have seen a video from 2009 in which the 16-year-old visited the Stamford Bridge stadium with his school and swore that one day he would play on that pitch. I recommend everyone to watch it carefully: it’s impressive how clearly a 16-year-old boy was already drawing his future.
“He wanted to wear that shirt, he succeeded when he was only 18 and unfortunately he left before he could make his mark and win something important.
“The challenge remained like a bug in his heart and mind for all these years. And when, almost unexpectedly, the opportunity to try again came up – at the age of 28 after two seasons as a main player with FC Internazionale – he almost didn’t believe it. It was a chance to come full circle and being the exemplary professional that he is, he decided it was time to accept that challenge again.
“Believe it or not, the supporters’ affection and the special bond with the city of Milan made him think about it for a long time: but then, once he made his decision, he carried on with conviction and firmness.”
Pastorello also confirmed the reports that Inter directors and coach Simone Inzaghi fought hard against the idea of losing Lukaku, but notably did not mention President Steven Zhang or club owners Suning.
It had been reported that they actively battled President Zhang and the Chinese business side of the club to keep hold of the Belgium international.
“With regards to FC Internazionale, I can guarantee that the Sport CEO Giuseppe Marotta, the Sporting Director Piero Ausilio – as well as coach Simone Inzaghi, who worked at this personally – did everything in their power to avoid this transfer.
“But there are circumstances that go beyond their decision-making range and depend on the instructions of the owners.
“I conclude my thought with a reflection on that day two years ago when Romelu Lukaku signed for Internazionale. At that time many of those who today insult me and threaten me, thanked me wholeheartedly for bringing him to Milan.
“If they had told you: ‘Romelu, after scoring more than 60 goals in two seasons, bringing the Club back to the top with his teammates, playing in the Europa League final and winning the Italian league title that has been missing since 2010, being named MVP of the Europa League and Serie A, will leave the Nerazzurri bringing into the Club finances a record sum for the Italian football market; what would you have done? Would you have signed up for it straight away or not?’
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I Heard that Lukaku wants to play round of 16 soccer in Champions League and since it’s been over 10 years since Inter played a round of 16 soccer in Champions League he imitated Inter fans and just gave that hope up because Inter failing to pass the Champions League group stage is almost a certainty !
@I MISS MARCO BRANCA AT INTER
Is this your fixa idea?
You miserable , who has nothing else to talk about. I have deja vu every time I read your comments.
Just an idea, why not add, when your team won the champions league last time? I am sure it was more than 10 years ago. a lot more…
@I MISS MARCO BRANCA AT INTER … Well at leaat Inter won CL but Juve? Hahaha…. how CR9 purchase worked for you so far? Good laugh.
The statement released by Pastorello reads part truth, part sycophancy (after all Lukaku is an important client) and part appeasement – to inter fans. The last paragraph is absolutely correct.
The reality is that Lukakau would probably have happily continued in Seria A if Chelsea had not made an offer. Chelsea are an Oligarch club and therefore resources are limitless – plus they have the CL money and the PL TV money. So Inter stood no chance.
And, yes, the opportunities of ‘silverware’ with Chelsea are better than with Inter.
And then the salary – which of us wouldn’t do the same if offered such a huge salary increase?