Romelu Lukaku has suggested that Chelsea were not his first choice destination last summer, as the fall-out from the forward’s controversial interview continues.
Lukaku has found himself in the headlines following an ill-advised interview with Sky Sports Italia, in which he has seemingly expressed his unhappiness at Chelsea since his £97.5m club-record move from Inter Milan last summer.
The Belgium international has been critical of his role in the side following an underwhelming start to the season and his comments have been described as ‘unhelpful’ by Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
In the latest comments that have been released today, the 28-year-old also suggested that Chelsea were not his preferred destination when leaving Inter Milan last summer and says the west Londoners are not one of the ‘three teams at the top level’.
“There are three teams at the top level: Barcelona, Real, Bayern,” he told Sky Sport Italy. “All the players dream of them, that’s the truth. I thought I was going to one of those clubs after Inter.
“This didn’t happen and I said: there is only one club where I can imagine myself, it’s Chelsea.”
Lukaku also revealed that he turned down an offer from Manchester City in 2020, confirming that the Premier League champions made an approach for his services after his first season at the San Siro.
He turned down the move following Inter’s faith in signing him from Manchester United, however, with Lukaku having scored 64 goals across his two seasons in Italian football.
“In the summer of 2020, I turned down an offer from Manchester City,” he said. “It was a higher offer than Chelsea’s one. I refused because I couldn’t leave Inter after just one year – it’s the club that saved my career when I was feeling bad at Manchester United.”
Lukaku further emphasised his admiration for Inter Milan and revealed that he wanted to remain with the club, though took the opportunity to sign for Chelsea after the Nerazzurri rejected his demands for a new deal.
“I would have stayed at Inter even without him [Conte], the problem was the new contract I asked for,” he said.
“Last summer I went to talk to the Inter board and I asked for a new contract. I said: I’m 28, I want to plan my life in Italy with a new deal… but Inter said no. Maybe there wasn’t the economic possibility. For me, it was difficult to accept.
“If there had been the offer of a new contract from Inter last summer as I wanted… we would not be doing this interview now here from London, but quietly from Milano!”
Lukaku added on his love for Inter: “I’m always thinking about Milano, Milano, Milano… Inter fans are the best in the world.
“I love the city and the best moment of my career was at Inter. I am in love with Italy – I have Inter in my heart.”
