Lukaku goes public on Chelsea discontent

Romelu Lukaku was not happy under the management of German coach Thomas Tuchel at the start of his second stint at Chelsea.

Lukaku returned to the European Champions for a club record fee of PS97.5 million in August, but had not played as important a role as he had hoped.

His discontent was made public in an interview done with Sky Sport Italia recorded weeks ago but aired on Thursday. In that interview, he said he regrets leaving Inter Milan behind and hoped to return. Lukaku shocked Inter fans with his departure in the summer, after taking them to their first league title in 11 years. He also scored 64 goals in 95 appearances since joining them in 2019.

"I'm not happy with the situation, this is normal," Lukaku said at the time. "But I am a worker and I must not give up.

"I want to say a big apology to the Inter fans because I think the way I left should have been different.

"I really hope in the depths of my heart to return to Inter, not at the end of my career, but at a still good level to, hopefully, win more."

Since doing the interview, Lukaku has, however, been more forgiving of Tuchel. This was because he found the net twice in the English Premier League, against Aston Villa on Sunday, and in a 1-1 draw with Brighton on Wednesday.

"I think I needed a performance like this today," Lukaku said after the 3-1 win over Villa. "The manager has his reasons but I kept working hard.

"It's a good win and personally for me I'm happy. Balls from crosses and the movement in the box -- I try to be less static."

Both goals took his tally to seven goals in 18 appearances this season.