Romelu Lukaku’s recent interview revealed his desire to return to Inter one day, but it’s clear that he needs the Nerazzurri more than they need him.
The 28-year-old Belgian forward joined Chelsea in a deal worth €115m in the summer transfer window and he has struggled to find his footing in West London, starting in only eight Premier League matches since his arrival in August. He has missed six matches due to injury, dealing with both a sprain and a short battle with COVID.
Lukaku noted that he was “not happy with the situation” in a recent interview with Sky Sports, although the ambiguity of his words leaves things open to interpretation. He also expressed his explicit desire to return to Inter one day, apologising for the nature of his departure and highlighting that he wants to return to the Nerazzurri one day whilst still in his prime.
His departure back in the summer caused panic amongst Inter fans, who were concerned about the team’s position following his sale, as well as the departures of Antonio Conte and Achraf Hakimi, but new coach Simone Inzaghi has proven that the Nerazzurri are still a top club without the Belgian striker.
Inter sit top of the Serie A table heading into the new year, sitting four points ahead of intercity rivals Milan, and they’ve only lost one match in the league so far this campaign, against Lazio back in October.
Lautaro Martinez, Edin Dzeko and Hakan Calhanoglu have done well to fill the void left behind by Lukaku’s departure, netting 25 goals between them as Inzaghi’s side work to defend their Scudetto.
In the Belgian striker’s last season with the Milanese club, he scored 24 goals in 36 games, with 12 of those coming in the first half of the season. Under Thomas Tuchel this campaign, he has scored only five goals so far in the Premier League, coming against weaker opponents like Brighton and Aston Villa.
At times, Lukaku seemed bigger than Inter, being their focal point and undeniable star, but now with Chelsea he is only one cog in Tuchel’s well-oiled machine, despite his high profile move over four months ago.
It seems fair to say, then, that Lukaku needs Inter more than Inter needs Lukaku, at least for the time being. The ball is now in the Belgian striker’s court, with all eyes on the player following his controversial interview.
Good riddance. Lukaku is the last thing Inter need, only area they can improve upon is CB and full backs
Surely if there is one club he should join and who need him it is Juventus. His huge salary would fit with the others also and he would be better value – Bernardeshi, Rabiot, Ramsey et al.
Inter also need a goalkeeper and also lack another decent midfielder.
Dzeko is old so they need a striker
Lukaku was injured so its manipulative to say he only scored 5 not saying in how many games..
Inter have all but tied up Onana. Lukaku only has one thing in the locker and that is brute force. The first touch and control is still awful and he can only play in a certain system. I think Inter should move on as they are playing better without him. Comebacks never go according to plan.
I was saying too, if he was injured and had COVID-19, five goals not bad at all. At Inter had only short time injury.
I don’t get why Lukaku is so upset already with Chelsea. He publicly acknowledged he’s not happy. He still plays regular football and scores fair amount of goals. He was only absented due to injury or covid.
Lukaku is a great player and one of the best forwards in the world IF he plays in a certain system, Conte’s system. Inter do not play that way anymore, so I doubt he could reach the same height if he does comeback. I will forever be grateful for those 2 wonderful years and 115M, but it’s best for both Lukaku and Inter to keep moving on.
Inter couldn’t afford to buy him back and pay his current wages anyway, it’s wiser to pursue up and coming young forwards with big potential.
Even if Inter have more than 50M in their transfer budget, it’s better to go for Vlahovic.
Not very smart of Lukaku to say these things, especially in December.
He should stop sucking up to everyone and start delivering for what he is being payed for, like a professional.
Inter were smart enough to sell him for record figures, even above his transfer value.
Agree with all; except for the GK statement. Inter need to thank Handanovich gradually by entering Radu & Stankovic: both excellent goalie replacements. Don’t think Onana is worth the stretch and keeping those club men out.
Be careful what you wish for, Eh Luk?