Inter have officially confirmed the loan signing of Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, just a year after he left the club. The Belgian joined the Blues in 2021 but struggled for a place in the starting XI and pushed to return to the Nerazzurri this summer.
The club have now confirmed the signing in a statement on their official website. Speaking in his first interview upon his return, Lukaku expressed his desire to help the team return to winning ways:
Welcome back, Romelu. How does it feel to be back at Inter?
“It’s an amazing feeling. What we achieved here a year ago was fantastic. That goes for the team, the fans and also me personally. Inter have given me so much and I hope to do even better than last time. It’s now time to work hard as a squad and hopefully do even better than before.”
You spent a long time with the president. You talked a lot and hugged each other as well. You both seemed very happy. How was it to see him again?
“We spoke about so many things and how it seemed impossible for me to come back here, but we managed it and I’m grateful to him for the way he kept pushing and believing it was possible. We managed to do it in the end and I’m delighted to be back.”
You’re back in a city that made you feel so welcome and where you were fully settled. What’s it like to be back in Milan?
“It’s like coming home. My family and I were so happy here thanks to the people, the fans and my team-mates.From the first day I arrived here, everyone helped me settle in. I’m very happy. I kept my home here when I went to England, so that means something. I’m pleased to be back and now I can’t wait to get out there with my team-mates.”
What was it that made you want to rejoin Inter?
“The fans, first of all, my team-mates, and also because I wanted to work with the coach. We were in contact over the course of the season. I think he’s doing a great job here. I want to help the team and do well for this club.”
You worked briefly with Simone Inzaghi last summer. You must be looking forward to linking up with him again.
“Absolutely.The team played really well last season, on another level. It’s a shame they didn’t win the title but they won two important trophies. Lots of players improved loads. We need to keep it up.
It’s up to us to make it tough for our rivals. We need to prepare well for the new season because we want to keep doing what we’ve been doing.”Have you spoken to any of your old/new team-mates?
“Most of them, yeah. Virtually all of them! I want to thank them all because I wanted to come back
but they also made a big effort to make it happen. I’m so grateful to them. They’re like my family, my brothers.”You scored 64 goals in 95 appearances for Inter. Now you’ll be looking to add to those numbers.
“I think about the team more than myself. I want Inter to win and I’ll give everything in training and in games to achieve that.”
Do you have a message for the fans who can’t wait to see you at San Siro?
“Yes, I’m really happy to be back and I’ll give my all every day to win over the fans again and give joy to them and my team-mates.”
Image from Inter.it
