Inter CEO makes bold transfer claim as Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku's loan spell edges closer to completion
Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe 'Beppe' Marotta has claimed that Romelu Lukaku, who is currently at the club on loan from Chelsea, would love to stay at the club beyond the current season.
Lukaku left Inter Milan to join Chelsea for a club-record £97.5 million fee in the summer of 2021. However, he struggled to settle down in London, scoring just eight league goals in the 2021-22 campaign.
The 29-year-old re-joined the Nerrazzurri last summer on loan and has found his scoring boots once again. So far, he has registered 13 goals and six assists in 33 matches this season.
The 106-cap Belgium star's future is up in the air as Chelsea, who are without a permanent manager, are yet to decide if they will recall him this summer or let him spend time away from the club once again.
Inter boss Marotta, in an interview with Radio Rai, has claimed that Lukaku is comfortable in Italy and would like to extend his stay — if the Blues agree to it. He said (via football italia):
“Romelu loves the shirt he wears, he is very comfortable at Inter. These are fundamental aspects, this desire of his to be with us. But he is on loan until June 30. He will return to Chelsea, and we don’t know what will happen on a technical level at that club. At the moment we are at the window.”
"This club has allowed me to become who I am today" - Romelu Lukaku confirms desire to remain at Inter Milan
Romelu Lukaku has expressed his desire to stay at Inter Milan beyond his loan spell this season. He praised the Serie A side for bringing the best out of him and spoke about the relationship he had with the club's fans.
He said (via Metro):
"I have an excellent relationship with the fans and I’ve always tried to give everything for Inter because it gave me the opportunity to win two years ago. This club has allowed me to become who I am today."
When asked whether he wants to stay at Inter, Lukaku said:
"Yes, but guys you have to pay attention to those things because the others [talk]. My goal is to give my best for Inter."
Lukaku has also helped the club reach the UEFA Champions League final, scoring three goals in the tournament.