Romelu Lukaku insists people ‘would be shocked’ if he revealed what happened last summer with Inter, Juventus, Al Hilal and Chelsea, while crediting Radja Nainggolan for helping him move to Roma.
The Belgium international spoke at a press conference while on international duty ahead of EURO 2024 qualifiers and naturally was asked about the chaotic events of pre-season.
“Most people in this room know me. You know that I don’t like to beat around the bush,” said Lukaku in his press conference.
“I will speak when the time is right, but if I told you how things really went last summer, everyone would be shocked. There were moments when I felt like I could explode and five years ago I probably would’ve done.
“Now I am concentrated only on what I can do best, which is playing football. I worked hard all summer. I must also thank Radja Nainggolan for contacting Roma on my behalf.”
He seems to suggest the problems at Inter started with coach Simone Inzaghi before the Champions League Final against Manchester City, leading to him being only a substitute.
“I was a bit uncomfortable after the Champions League Final, but my mind was troubled because of what happened in the days leading up to it. I will talk about that later.”
It ultimately saw him reject a permanent return to Inter, infuriating the club by talking to their arch-rivals Juventus, who in turn could not agree terms with Chelsea.
There was also an approach from the Saudi Pro League and Al Hilal, but Lukaku turned them down, having his heart set on playing in Serie A.
“I was honoured by their interest, but after the conversations we had, I was not completely convinced. The League will become one of the biggest in the world, but I didn’t want to leave Europe yet.
“I knew full well what was going to happen this summer and there were a few clubs I certainly would not go to. Ultimately, you have to consider what happened in recent years on a football and personal level, which is why I made my choice.”
In the final days of the transfer window, Lukaku joined Roma on loan from Chelsea and has made a stunning start to this experience, scoring seven goals in just eight games between Serie A and the Europa League.
“I don’t like to talk too much off the field, but sometimes it’s good to tell people what really happened and what didn’t. I will one day, but not now because I want to keep the focus on my football. When I say things, they are taken out of context and I don’t want that right now.”