Former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has returned to Stamford Bridge after enjoying numerous spells with different clubs across Europe.
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Romelu Lukaku has returned to Chelsea following a successful two-year spell at Inter Milan in Serie A. Lukaku, who has played with Manchester United, Everton, West Bromwich Albion and Anderlecht in the past, is back at Stamford Bridge. The Belgian forward hopes to make his second Chelsea debut this weekend, declaring he is “fit and ready” if manager Thomas Tuchel wishes to select him. The 28-year-old forward has officially started working with the Blues this week, joining in training and conducting his first press conference after finalising his move from Inter last week.
“It feels great to be back,” Lukaku said at his official unveiling press conference. “It doesn’t feel like I’m coming into a new team because I’ve been here before and I know a few of the players from before. I’m really happy to be here and it’s a good feeling to be joining the European champions. The guys are hungry for more and they want to keep winning. In training yesterday, I could see there was a really good intensity and everyone looked sharp. Now I have the chance to join a team that’s very hungry and very ambitious. I can’t wait to add something to this group and I’m excited to get started.”
Lukaku, who will wear the No.9 shirt this season, said he is ready to make his second Blues debut against Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday. “I’ve been training throughout pre-season and I feel good,” started Lukaku. “It’s been good to join in with the guys and get to work. Now it’s just about getting to know all my team-mates better and at the end of the day, I’m ready for Sunday if the manager needs me.”
Earlier, Romelu Lukaku expressed his happiness over the way Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 3-0 in their opening match of the new Premier League season. “It was a good win and the manner in which we won with a dominant 3-0 scoreline and creating a lot of chances,” he had told the club’s website. “We also pressed and recovered the ball high. We didn’t really get into any problems so it was good. Hopefully we can keep that level of performance up. We’re going to have to because the Premier League is very difficult but I’m looking forward to this challenge.”
When asked whether he has spoken with the manager Thomas Tuchel about his role in the team, Romelu Lukaku replied, “Yes, of course! The conversation was really clear from him, that he wants me to be a presence and a leader in the team. I have to just use all my abilities to make sure I can help the team as much as possible. My role will depend on what the game plan is and what the boss wants me to do. If he wants me to be a focal point or if he wants me to attack the spaces in behind, I can do it.”
“The two years in Italy helped me master all the facets of the game for a striker and now I’m ready. I like the system that we play and I’m very flexible. I can play as a two or by myself and I’m used to the system because it’s what we play with the Belgian national team so I don’t need much time to adapt. It’s just knowing the strengths of my team-mates in important positions and knowing what we do off the ball, then I can do the rest.”
