Inter ultras issue strongly-worded warning to Lukaku over Chelsea ‘betrayal’
Chelsea flop Romelu Lukaku has been warned by Inter ultras that they haven't forgiven him for 'betraying' the club last summer ahead of his return to the club.
Lukaku enjoyed a successful two year spell with Inter Milan and was adored by fans in Italy after netting 24 league goals to help the club to their first Scudetto in over a decade. However, the Belgian striker went from hero to zero by returning to his old club, Chelsea, in a club-record £97.5million deal just weeks after Inter's title triumph.
Now, the 29-year-old is on the cusp of a return to the San Siro after a nightmare start to his second stint at Stamford Bridge. Lukaku has been angling for a return to Inter and is set to get his wish in the form of a season-long loan deal – but Inter fans have made it clear that he will not receive a warm welcome.
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In a statement, Inter’s ultras said: "Curva Nord supports Inter Milan and will not stage any protest against the player (despite his behaviour last summer).
"That being said, nobody shall go and welcome him with scarves and banners representing the Curva or its groups. He will need to earn everything that, in case, will be done for him in the future with humility and sweat on the pitch. He was supported (and treated) like a king, now he’s just a player like many others. It shall also be clear to everyone that we will never cheer against Lukaku if he will wear the Inter jersey again.
"We encourage all Interisti [Inter supporters] not to fall in the other trap, to run and drool after him. Clearly there is an instinctive and emotional element, but to pretend that nothing has happened would only accelerate that process aimed at making us all dumb and slavish consumers.
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"We took note of Lukaku’s betrayal and we were extremely disappointed. With time we can even forgive such things to a footballer, but the facts won’t change. Now, Romelu, let’s kick and run."
Just 12 months after raking in a whopping fee for the Chelsea outcast, Inter have shelled out €8m (£6.8m) to bring the former Manchester United man back to Milan for the 2022/23 campaign. The deal – which will also see Lukaku take a significant pay cut – does not include an option or an obligation to purchase the striker.
Thomas Tuchel will be tasked with finding a replacement for the big-money flop once the deal is confirmed, with the Blues boss desperate to reinforce his attacking options ahead of the new Premier League season.
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