When Mourinho Called Lukaku 'Kid' With AS Roma Reunion Looming

• Embattled striker Romelu Lukaku has dramatically decided against moving to Juventus
• Chelsea are ready to part with the striker permanently with their relationship strained
• A loan is now possible as the Blues plot sending him to ex-boss Jose Mourinho at Roma

Jose Mourinho and Romelu Lukaku are no strangers to each other, having worked together twice before. They could renew that relationship as the striker looks to leave Chelsea for good.

The Blues re-signed the Belgian striker from Inter Milan in 2021 for £97.5 million but it took only four months before their relationship broke down, after an interview where he professed love for his former club.

He spent last season on loan at the San Siro and helped the club reach the UEFA Champions League final. Lukaku was expected to join Inter permanently before the call 'blackout' fiasco after both clubs had agreed on a fee, per Sports Brief.

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As reported by The Telegraph, the Belgian opted to join Juventus but has now decided he wants a reunion with the Special One at AS Roma, after claiming the Old Lady were taking too long to sign him.

Mourinho's past comments on Lukaku

AS Roma are searching for a new forward with a long-term injury to former Blue, Tammy Abraham, leaving Andrea Belotti as the only senior centre-forward.

However, while speaking to The Times last year, Mourinho explained how the 30-year-old should be managed when he had issues with former boss, Thomas Tuchel.

"[In Lukaku's first spell] at Chelsea, he was still a kid. At Manchester United, he was still developing. At Inter, he became the top man, he became loved - a big love from the supporters, love from teammates, great relations with the coach."

The Roma boss added: "He's a big guy, physically so strong, but there is also a kid inside who needs that love, needs that support, needs to feel important."

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According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Roma's willingness to cover the player's full £325,000 per week salary could have influenced Chelsea's decision to accept a loan, despite insisting on his permanent exit.

Juve ultras send message to Lukaku

Sports Brief previously reported on Juventus Ultras' brutal message to Lukaku amidst the Bianconeri's interest in signing the Chelsea £97.5m flop striker.

The Curva Sud ultras displayed a banner which read: "Lukaku stay in Milan, we already have a second goalkeeper," taken as a direct jibe at the big Belgian.