Despite the official ultras groups boycotting Romelu Lukaku’s return from Chelsea, regular Inter fans flocked to welcome the striker back and he was clearly loving it.
The Belgium international had joined Inter from Manchester United for €74m in 2019 and proved pivotal in their Serie A title victory.
After 64 goals and 16 assists in 95 competitive games, he pushed for a transfer to Chelsea for €113m, but immediately regretted that decision and has been trying to orchestrate a return to San Siro for months.
The official ultras groups released a statement warning he would need to ‘win back’ their trust and love just a year after his departure, so would not actively jeer him, but not cheer either.
Regular fans aren’t so strict and have flocked to welcome Lukaku back, the 29-year-old leaning out the window of the CONI centre where he underwent his medical to salute the supporters, then doing the same from the top balcony of Inter headquarters where he signed the contract.
It is a one-season loan at a cost of €8m plus bonuses, with Lukaku accepting a 35 per cent pay cut to push through this move.