Romelu Lukaku Hints at Chelsea Future Amid Roma’s Dominant Victory against Brighton
Romelu Lukaku, currently on loan at Roma from Chelsea, has hinted at his future plans while expressing his enjoyment at playing for the Italian club. Following Roma’s impressive victory against Brighton in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie, Lukaku stopped short of confirming his desire to permanently leave Chelsea for Roma. However, his comments suggest a positive experience in Italy.
The match against Brighton saw Roma secure a resounding win, with goals from Paulo Dybala, Lukaku himself, Gianluca Mancini, and Bryan Cristante. This result appears to have effectively ended Brighton’s European adventure. Lukaku’s loan spell at Roma comes after failed attempts to secure a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge last summer, when deals with Inter Milan and Juventus fell through.
Despite the challenges of this season, which included the sacking of manager Jose Mourinho in January, Lukaku has managed to perform well. He has scored 18 goals and provided four assists in 35 appearances across all competitions. The Belgian striker attributes his success to new manager Daniele De Rossi, who has given him more freedom on the field. Lukaku expressed his satisfaction with De Rossi’s style of play, stating that he now has the opportunity to attack space and play as a lone center-forward.
De Rossi’s coaching philosophy revolves around setting new objectives daily and giving the players the motivation to achieve them. This approach resonates with Lukaku, who believes that great players need to be constantly stimulated. The team’s objectives include securing a top-four position in Serie A and progressing in Europe, which requires consistent effort.
Lukaku also appreciates the support of the fans and the guidance he received from former Roma player Radja Nainggolan upon his arrival. He acknowledges the contributions of both Mourinho and De Rossi in his development as a player and states that he is giving his best for Roma. However, when asked about a permanent move to Roma, Lukaku responded coyly, stating that he does not want to cause controversy in England.
Lukaku’s return to Chelsea in 2021 did not go as planned, as he struggled to readjust to life in the Premier League. In an interview with Sky Italia, he expressed his desire to return to Inter, which caused outrage among Chelsea fans and effectively ended his future with the club. Last summer, Inter and Juventus were unable to sign Lukaku due to financial constraints. With Lukaku’s contract running until 2026, Chelsea may lower their price tag, potentially allowing Roma to make a permanent move for the striker.
In conclusion, Romelu Lukaku’s loan spell at Roma has been successful so far, with the player finding joy and freedom under the management of Daniele De Rossi. While Lukaku has not explicitly stated his plans for the future, his positive comments suggest that a permanent move to Roma is a possibility. Only time will tell where Lukaku’s football journey takes him next.