Former Inter defender Marco Materazzi believes striker Romelu Lukaku is responsible for his own decisions, after talks with Inter broke down. The Belgian was expected to return to the Nerazzurri this summer, but the club have withdrawn from negotiations after it was reported that Lukaku was also in talks with Juventus.
Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Materazzi offered his thoughts on the Belgian’s situation, as well as the overall health of the club, and why Marcus Thuram could be the striker Inter need:
“It’s a passing moment. It was a choice of the club that must be shared and supported: we are in the midst of a generational change, key players have left in transmitting what Inter is to the new ones. Now Darmian, Lautaro, Barella and Bastoni have to do it. Those who have arrived are young and strong: they must be able to prove their worth in an environment with greater pressure. But they have little or nothing to fear. Take Thuram: he has already won a World Cup, he just has to show what he is.”
The ‘9’ of Dzeko and Lukaku has been placed on his shoulders…
“Lukaku’s farewell causes discussion. But it is right that the club now make other choices. In that department they have signed a player of a very high profile like Thuram. He strongly wanted Inter, despite the interest of other big clubs, perhaps because having values he remembered how much the Nerazzurri wanted him even two years ago, before the injury.”
What is your opinion of the Belgian’s farewell?
“Everyone is responsible for their own actions. Anyone who knows things knows that Inter did everything three times with Lukaku. The first, when they wanted him by taking him from United. The second, welcoming him back after the year at Chelsea. And the third, showing him that they want to buy him back. I’ve always been a great fan of Lukaku, I just want him to clarify. He should be like Onana, a gentleman, earning respect. I would like Lukaku to say what he feels with an open heart, so many misunderstandings would be avoided. I know how much he cared about Inter, but I also know how much Inter cared about him.”
Did you speak of respect, is the reference also to teammates?
“I say that talking would be the right thing to do. For the club, for the fans and also for the teammates, of course. Because everyone deserves respect. You’ve never seen a player leave after a Scudetto because he had the dream of Chelsea, then the same player was welcomed back as a prodigal son. And now going away like this is like a stab in the back.”
Where do Inter start from?
“Over the last couple of months, the backlash has been demonstrating true value. It will not be easy, having changed 6-7 items. But the backbone of the Istanbul team is the same. And the players are the first to know that the gap with Napoli last season in the standings is not justifiable.”
