When Romelu Lukaku Refused to Touch Champions League Trophy at Chelsea in 2012

• Romelu Lukaku is one of Inter Milan’s prominent men in the Champions League this season
• He is unlikely to start but will undoubtedly play a part in the final against Manchester City tonight
• The Belgian was present for Chelsea’s triumph in 2012 but was not named in the squad

Romelu Lukaku will hope to have his redemption in the Champions League final tonight and deservedly lay his hands on the highly-coveted trophy.

Lukaku is on loan at Inter Milan for his second spell at the club, having joined Chelsea two years ago for a club record. He fell out with Thomas Tuchel and chose the option of a loan back in Italy.

He helped the Nerazzurri to their first Scudetto in 11 years in 2021 before returning to England, and he could prove to be the man again tonight if he helps the team with the UCL.

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La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Belgian will settle for a place on the bench tonight, with Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko expected to keep his place alongside Lautaro Martinez.

Lukaku turned down UCL trophy

The 30-year-old joined the Blues from Anderlecht as a teenager in 2011 and was not named in the winning squad of 2012 under interim boss Roberto Di Matteo.

The Italian guided Chelsea to their first victory - the glorious night against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in front of the Bavarian fans.

According to Mirror UK, the former Everton striker joined the celebrations but refused to touch the trophy when Salomon Kalou offered him. He claimed he was undeserving of it as he played no part in the games leading up to the victory.

He will surely have his hands on the trophy tonight if Inter triumphs, as he has paid his dues with three goals and an assist in seven games, including the winner against Benfica in the 1-0 aggregate victory.

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Di Matteo backs Lukaku

Sports Brief reported that former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo compared Lukaku to Didier Drogba as he backed him to be the difference maker tonight.

The Italian boss praised World Cup winner Martinez but feels Big Rom is the Drogba of the team capable of making things happen against Manchester City.