Romelu Lukaku returned to Inter on loan for one season, just one year after leaving for Chelsea. Inter have agreed a loan of around € 8 million for Lukaku, who helped them win Serie A in 2020-21. The Belgian striker was not a regular key player for Chelsea last season, but scored 15 goals in all competitions. It is understandable that Lukaku was willing to make a pay cut to seal his return to Inter, but the club’s financial situation meant that it was impossible to match his salary or buy the striker. However, President Steven Zhang was personally involved in last week’s negotiations, which were considered important. “I’m back, baby,” Lukaku said in an external video link to Inter ‘s Twitter page. “I am very happy.” Zhang added: “The big boss is back. It’s like deja vu coming back here.” Lukaku, who left Chelsea for Everton for 28 28m in 2014, returned to Stamford Bridge last summer on a five-year deal. But after injuries and illnesses, he was left out of the starting line-up and, in an interview with Sky Sport Italia, said he was not happy with his role under coach Thomas Tuchel. After apologizing for those comments, Lukaku returned to the Chelsea team and scored only three times in his last 15 games in the Premier League last season, as the Blues’ season ended. Tuhel’s team finished third in the Premier League, while they were defeated by Liverpool on penalties and in the finals of the English Cup and the League Cup. Inter finished second in Serie A last season, two points behind city rivals Milan. They are also in talks with Juventus striker Paulo Dimbala. The 28-year-old Argentine international will be free when his contract expires at the end of the month.
