Romelu Lukaku: Chelsea Striker Slammed by Former Inter Milan Owner

• Romelu Lukaku made a club record £97.5 mil move to Chelsea from Inter Milan in 2021
• The striker was only a few months into his second spell before a fallout with his coach
• The Belgian's second return to Italy has not gone to plan as he has struggled for fitness

Romelu Lukaku led Inter Milan to their first title in 11 years under Antonio Conte in the 2020/21 season. He scored 24 goals and assisted in a further 11, and was named the league’s MVP for that term.

However, due to financial struggles which led to the departure of Conte and Chelsea's irresistible offer of £97.5 million, the Belgian left Italy and returned to Stamford Bridge for the second spell.

His strong start was soon cut short after an explosive interview with Sky Italia where he criticised former boss, Thomas Tuchel and promised Nerazzurri fans he would return to the club, damaging his relationship with both manager and club.

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Lukaku slammed by Moratti

The £97.5 mil record fee Chelsea paid for Lukaku was recently broken to sign Enzo Fernandez for £106.8 mil, as reported by Guardian, but the Blues cut losses on the Belgian and loaned him back to Inter for less than £10 mil.

Speaking in an interview with Leggo, as quoted by Football Italia, former Inter owner, Massimo Moratti slammed the striker and claimed his limitations are still there.

“Lukaku is in poor condition. He’s still very slow,” he said.

Lukaku deserves a second chance

As reported by Evening Standard, former Chelsea defender, Glen Johnson believes the big striker should be given another chance at Stamford Bridge under Graham Potter.

“It’ll all depend on what the manager sees in pre-season and what he sees from Romelu Lukaku at Inter Milan from now until the end of the season,” he said.

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“He’s already cost Chelsea a fortune, so it’s in everybody’s best interests for Romelu to work out at Chelsea. If he comes back with the bit between his teeth, then I believe Chelsea would love to give him a chance.”

Lukaku responds to Barotta

Sports Brief earlier reported on Lukaku giving a perfect response to Inter Milan CEO, Beppe Barotta over comments on his physical condition.

The Italian famously said the striker was benched for the UEFA Champions League game against FC Porto because he was overweight.

Lukaku scored the only goal of the game from Nicolo Barella’s cross and joked about his shape and fitness in his post-match conference.