Romelu Lukaku has issued a public apology to the Chelsea fans following the forward’s controversial interview with Sky Sports Italia.
Lukaku was dropped from the Chelsea squad for last weekend’s draw with Liverpool following the release of the 28-year-old’s interview with Italian media, in which he discussed his frustrations at Stamford Bridge and showered praise on former side, Inter Milan.
The Belgium international has since returned to Chelsea training after holding clear-the-air talks with manager Thomas Tuchel and has now issued an apology to the west London side’s supporters.
“To the fans, I’m sorry for the upset that I caused. You guys know the connection that I have with this club since my teenage years so I totally understand you guys being upset,” Lukaku told ChelseaTV.
“Obviously, it’s up to me now to restore your trust and I’ll do my best to show commitment every day on the training ground and trying to make sure we win games.
“To the manager I apologised and I said it to my team-mates and the board, because I think it was not the right moment (to do the interview).
“I want to move forward from this and make sure that we start winning football games and I perform for the best team in the best manner.’
Lukaku has admitted his regret at the mixed message his interview portrayed, having attempted to repair his relationship with the Inter Milan fans who were left upset with his summer exit from the San Siro.
The forward insists he never had any intention to disrespect his current side and says his focus is firmly on achieving success with the Blues.
“I think I should have been much clearer in my message to be honest,” Lukaku added.
“Because the interview was about saying goodbye to the Inter fans, it was not about trying to disrespect the (Chelsea) fans, the football club, the owner, my team-mates, the technical staff.
A message from Romelu.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 4, 2022
“Because they made a lot of efforts for me to come back here and I wanted to come back here.
“I was on a mission to come back since I left, so I totally understand the frustrations of the fans.
“But now it’s on me to make sure my commitment is at 100 per cent and I will do that in every game.
“My club was Chelsea, everybody knows that from being 10 or 11 years old I said I wanted to play for Chelsea. There were clearly images when I came on my school trip that I said I wanted to play for Chelsea.
“So for me I came here when I was 18 it didn’t go so well. Now I’m back at 28 in the prime years of my career – I can’t really mess this up.”
