Lukaku’s interview about him not being happy at Chelsea could not have been made public in a situation worse than this. Chelsea have won just 2 out of their last 6 matches and is struggling to get desired results due to their long list of injured players.
Transfer that happened not so long ago
The former team bought the Belgian forward on a club-record fee of €115 from Inter Milan before the start of the current season. After spending two seasons at the San Siro and inspiring Inter to their first Serie A title in over 10 years, the 28-year-old had asked Inter to accept a suitable offer from Chelsea.
He scored 30 goals for his former club in the previous season and looked in incredible form when Chelsea acquired his services.
Lukaku’s Chelsea story so far
After he left for Everton in 2013, the striker returned to Chelsea in their 2-0 victory over Arsenal at The Emirates. The Belgian took just 15 minutes to open his scoring books for the season.
He then netted twice against Aston Villa on his Stamford Bridge return. His run of form halted when he got injured in a Champions League fixture against Malmo FF.
He was sidelined for almost a month and came in as a substitute in the 82nd minute in their 1-1 draw against Manchester United. After several off-the-bench appearances, he was tested positive for COVID-19 and had to miss action again.
After recovery, he came off the bench at halftime against Aston Villa and scored a crucial goal. Chelsea’s latest fixture against Brighton also saw Lukaku ending up on the scoresheet.
Reason for Lukaku being ‘unhappy’ at Chelsea
With 10 goals in 20 games so far, the big centre forward is not satisfied with his playing time and stated Tuchel had changed the team’s formation, which does not suit Lukaku’s position and style of play.
He apologised to Inter fans for leaving them and hoped to go back to Italy and play for them in the future.
“I want to really apologise to the Inter fans because I don’t think I should have left Inter the way I did. I should have spoken to you guys first, especially after everything you did for me, my family, my mum, my son. I’ll never forget that.
“I hope from the bottom of my heart to go back to Inter and not at the end of my career but when I’m still at a good enough level to win more trophies.” – Sky Sports
Inter Fans’ Backlash over the Comments
Lukaku’s sentimental statements about Inter and its fans were not taken well by the fans. They are still in contempt with Lukaku’s decision to leave Inter for Chelsea.
They displayed a banner outside the San Siro after the interview went public:
Tuchel’s Response to the ‘Noise’
Thomas Tuchel was not amused by Lukaku’s interview and said that the comments only brought unnecessary noise, which is not needed as the team needs a calm environment.
The Chelsea boss also mentioned that he didn’t want to make more out of it, and it is easy to take lines out of context. He admitted he was surprised by the striker’s statement as there was no conversation about the situation with him in person.
Though disappointed, Tuchel said he’d discuss the matter with Lukaku when they sit behind closed doors.
Liverpool Clash
Amidst all the drama, Chelsea have a tough challenge on Sunday as they take on 3rd placed Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
With the disappointing December behind them, the Blues would be looking to start the new year with a convincing win and try to get back in the title race.
Lukaku is controversially left out of Chelsea’s squad for the game. Is this a tactical choice or is it getting heated up in London? Only time will tell.
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