NEWS. . . BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Romelu Lukaku loves life in Rome, but has stated that he needs to leave Chelsea to go to the Italian club permanently.
His comments came after Roma beat Brighton in the first leg of the Europa League 16 on Thursday night.
Goals from Paulo Dybala, Lukaku, Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante at the Stadio Olimpico put an end to the Seagulls’ European adventure.
The Belgian striker is on loan at Roma from Chelsea after failing to secure a permanent exit from Stamford Bridge last summer, following failed transfers to Inter Milan and Juventus.
18 goals and four assists in 35 appearances in all competitions, so it’s a smart return, especially in what has been a crazy season for the Serie A side that sacked Jose Mourinho in January.
But Lukaku is enjoying it all and is encouraged by the taste of the game from new coach Daniele De Rossi, who told Sky Sport Italia after Brighton’s win: “The coach gives me more freedom in midfield and to let it go.
“I have to attack the space, whereas before I was asked to hold the ball. It’s the first time I’ve been used as the only centre-forward in Italy, but I’m adapting well and we can keep improving. Going far in Serie A and the Europa League.
“De Rossi talks about having new goals every day and doing everything possible to achieve them. Every educational consultation is a control and I like that, because I think wonderful players want to be stimulated.
“He said our goal is to be in the top four in Serie A and also to progress in Europe, so we can never take our foot off the gas.
“It was a different experience, but as soon as I arrived I saw how much the fans love this team. I also called Radja Nainggolan and he helped me prepare for my behavior.
“Mourinho helped me and now De Rossi too. I’m looking to do the best I can for Roma, a lot of people don’t know what my scenario was, so I thank Roma.
So, will Lukaku sign for Roma permanently? The 30-year-old was asked precisely this question, but he may only give a timid and joking answer: “I don’t need to cause controversy in England, I have to be careful!”
Lukaku returned to Chelsea in 2021 for a club-record £97m, and has struggled to readjust to life in the Premier League.
Just a few months after his second spell with the Blues, he gave an interview to Sky Italia in which he said he wanted to return to Inter, which sparked outrage from fans and thus put an end to his long career at the club, which is obviously the “controversy” around the striker.
Inter and Juventus were unable to sign Lukaku last summer, but with his contract expiring in 2026, Chelsea would lower his price, which could allow Roma to sign him.
Put us in your feed