Romelu Lukaku is in contention to return for Chelsea in Wednesday's Carabao Cup game against Tottenham after apologising for a recent interview, head coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed.
More to follow....
What did Lukaku say in controversial interview?
In a 29-minute interview with Sky in Italy recorded earlier in December, Lukaku said he said he was "not happy" with his situation at Chelsea, questioned Tuchel's system and revealed he turned down a move to Manchester City in 2020.
"Physically I'm doing great. I'm just not very happy with the situation, but that's normal," Lukaku said. "I think the boss has decided to play a different formation but I have to stick at it and get on with it professionally.
"I'm not happy with the situation but it's my job and I mustn't give up.
"When I was at Inter, at the end of the first year, I turned down an offer from Manchester City which was higher than Chelsea's this summer.
"So the second year after we won the Scudetto, I went to speak with club chiefs and asked for a new contract. I did it because I told myself I'm 28 years old, my family feels great in Milan, I still have my flat there, my mother and my son could come and live there and we would all feel comfortable.
"But they didn't want to extend my contract, the possibility wasn't there. It was tough for me to accept, because in my head I told myself that I would be able to do a few more years in Milan."
"In my opinion, there are three absolute top teams in football - Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Every player dreams of playing for one of these teams one day. So I thought if I ever had that possibility, I would sign a new contract with Inter and then go there.
"But it didn't happen, so I told myself that there is only one team where I could possibly see myself - Chelsea. I wasn't thinking about going there, but at one point they came in for me and so I asked [Inter boss Simone] Inzaghi to leave.
"The fact that they didn't try to make me sign a new contract bothered me a bit, it hurt me even. If Inter offered me a new contract, I would have stayed 100 per cent. That goes without saying."
Souness: Lukaku more than crossed the line | Nev: Love story over
Graeme Souness says Lukaku must apologise to his teammates after the comments he made in his Sky in Italy interview led to Tuchel dropping the striker against Liverpool.
However, fellow pundit Gary Neville says an apology isn't necessary if Lukaku has told the truth - but he must work hard to win back the trust of his manager and fans in what is now "rather than a love story, a transactional relationship."
Lukaku said he hoped to go back to Inter soon because he was unhappy with how Tuchel was utilising him.
Sky Sports pundit Souness described Lukaku's decision to say those things as "ridiculous and damaging" and backed Tuchel for leaving out the £97.5m forward, despite the enormity of the game.
In the end, Chelsea drew 2-2 with Liverpool - a result which only really benefits Premier League leaders Manchester City.
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ijelejoe
0
hmmmm I smell flop everywhere
NorbuG
2
If we want better performance from Lukuku, Tuchel must trust him. He must be provided more playing time, and most importantly the game tactics must revolve around him like the one that happened in his(Lukaku's) previous club. Of course there are many other quality player in the club but currently he is the most dangerous striker than any other in the club. Because he has the skills, strength, pace and everything that a good striker should have. He is a real tiger. Tuchel must uplift his motivational level rather than turn him into a cat.
Fatabdloyz
0
where is the apology? I thought they said he has apologized but can't see or read anything like that
He did apologize bro it’s on Chelsea page and Romano page on Twitter AF may never post the article yet brothers
Dincikpu
0
what is the head line of this article again?
dennisachafu
3
English teams are far better than Italian teams now. I can't remember when last two Italian teams reach a champions league semi finals. If Inter meet Man city, Chelsea or Liverpool, it will be hard for them to survive it. So, it's not a surprise that Lukaku did well in Italy and is struggling in EPL. Zlatan struggled in Man utd but he's doing well in Milan even at older age. If I were Lukaku, I will rather go to an English team where I have the opportunity of winning champions league than fighting with Juventus every year for Seria A title.
Pamemnrz
0
I think as Chelsea fans, we should rather commend than condemn Lukaku for being honest. And he even said he will work hard to meet up with Chelsea's standard. So why are we allowing ourselves to be misinformed by the British media sensationalization? Kane did more than Lukaku yet the English media covered it up. Is it because Lukaku is a black man?
W0linhO
0
Fine his soy a**
Yohcmoprtu
3
Lukaku has to buck up on his performance because there are a lot of difference between the EPL and the Seria A which he is aware of. Played for Chelsea, went on loan to Everton, then Man U before Inter Milan. He knows how tough it is here. Proof that, when the going get tough, the tough get going. And stop this media acrobatics.
mocbilnopz
0
Thank you my brother may God be with you.
Bahdikos
2
Apology is on Chelsea official website of True fans.
Bepdeiloy
3
for me i didn't see any problem there, the man is very correct and honest
peobioprtz
0
Plssss this is not hot anymore why flashing it every now and then. This was brought up just few days before Liverpool game. It needs to be played down. We want positive feedback on it. Not what is said at the sky Italia anymore Thnks
Austinpowers
0
where is the apology? I thought they said he has apologized but can't see or read anything like that
Me too
maacekry
0
Is not necessary for people to read it or see it
ElBorracho
1
Lukaku be like...
AmericanBlue
0
f*** Lu-flop-ku 😤
SaintDc01
1
I just like Lukaku mentality honest man he don't fake anything ❣️❣️
Zidbmopsuy
3
where is the apology? I thought they said he has apologized but can't see or read anything like that
Stevenong
0
After all the wayang …. It’s part of players job these day especially those who think they are good enuf
femigabriel
1
welcome back but be up to the coach 💯💯💥💥💥💯❤️❤️❤️
wibadopru
0
Lukaku is wrong but on another view, he just poured his heart out 💯
To express oneself is not a crime but lukaku should have done that in the manager's office not on media. So lukaku was wrong 100%.
Arabmoney7
0
Lukaku is wrong but on another view, he just poured his heart out 💯