Francesco Totti explains why Jose Mourinho and Roma brought in Nemanja Matic, but ‘did not expect’ Romelu Lukaku to return to Inter so soon from Chelsea.
The club legend spoke to Sky Sport Italia and cast his eye over the plans at work at the Stadio Olimpico after winning the Conference League in Mourinho’s debut campaign.
Matic has signed as a free agent from Manchester United, the third time he has worked with Mourinho after Chelsea and Manchester United.
“If Mourinho made this choice, it means the player is useful to the team. He already proved his worth in Europe, at big clubs, and you need the right mentality at Roma.
“In order to achieve results, you need great players. Roma above all are focused on securing a return to the Champions League, but in order to win you need champions in the side.”
Inter are targeting the Scudetto and believe Lukaku will help them achieve that aim, set to return on loan just one year after his €113m move to Chelsea.
“I didn’t expect Lukaku to return, I thought he would’ve chosen a different club,” added Totti.
“It’s a perfectly respectable decision, Inter and Simone Inzaghi will be very happy. Physically, Lukaku is a dominant presence in Italy, but I don’t know who his strike partner will be.”
Paulo Dybala is expected to arrive as a free agent from Juventus, while Lautaro Martinez remains upfront to reunite with Lukaku after their title-winning experience together.
Finally, Scudetto-winners Milan are forced to do without Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the next six to seven months after knee surgery, but the 40-year-old is ready to sign a new contract anyway.
“If he really has to be out for six or seven months, I probably would’ve given up, but we know Ibra’s character, he refuses to give up and wants to go out on a high. I am sure whatever he chooses, it won’t be the wrong decision.”
Totti: “Lukaku, mai mi sarei aspettato il ritorno all’Inter. Vuole continuare a vincere, Inzaghi sarà contento” https://t.co/Doyee17hZe
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