Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku has joined Italian side Roma on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea.
At the age of 30, Lukaku returns to Serie A, having spent the previous season on loan with Inter Milan, where his contributions aided them in reaching the Champions League final.
Notably, Lukaku declined a highly profitable opportunity in the Saudi Pro League.
Expressing his excitement, Lukaku stated, “The warm reception from both the club and its fans has truly motivated me and serves as an extra encouragement to dedicate myself entirely to my new team.”
Lukaku is rumored to have agreed to a reduced salary in order to reunite with coach Jose Mourinho at Roma.
Official, confirmed. Romelu Lukaku joins AS Roma on loan deal until June 🟡🔴
No buy option clause included — back to Chelsea next summer.
“Roma fans were incredible to me — I can’t wait to get started. The owners here have huge ambitions”, Lukaku said. pic.twitter.com/Tr7FpiOKGE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2023
Mourinho had briefly managed Lukaku in the 2013-14 season during the striker’s initial stint with Chelsea. Subsequently, Mourinho signed Lukaku for Manchester United from Everton in 2017, in a transfer worth £75 million.
Inter set to consider Chelsea’s bid for Lukaku
Reflecting on his conversations with the club’s owners, Lukaku noted, “Their ambition stood out to me. Now, it’s time to put in the work, stay humble, and progress with each match. Personally, I’m eagerly looking forward to contributing to my teammates, both on and off the field.”
After his permanent transfer to Inter from Manchester United for £74 million in 2019, Lukaku rejoined Chelsea in 2021 for a fee of £97.5 million. However, his second tenure with Chelsea did not yield the desired results, leading to his absence from the team’s lineup since May 2022.
🆕 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 | Romelu Lukaku 🐺🇧🇪
The club is delighted to confirm the signing of the world-renowned Belgian forward!
In the meantime, the search for missing children around the world continues. 🙏
#ASRoma | @ICMEC_official pic.twitter.com/ILrHcAc5IJ— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) August 31, 2023
Omitted from Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States and not part of new manager Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for the 2023-24 season, Lukaku’s choice of Roma showcases his commitment to a fresh chapter in his career.
Tiago Pinto, Roma’s general manager of the sports area, expressed, “Learning that Lukaku has selected Roma brings us immense satisfaction. His arrival injects more experience, professionalism, and a strong desire to win into the team.”
🖊️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 | Romelu Lukaku 👋
Welcome to the Giallorossi! 🐺#ASRoma
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) August 31, 2023
“Our decisions always aim to elevate Roma’s competitiveness. Witnessing the enthusiastic welcome from the fans towards Romelu fills us with pride.”
Throughout his career, Lukaku has achieved significant victories, including securing the Belgian championship with Anderlecht, clinching an FA Cup and a Club World Cup with Chelsea, and capturing a Scudetto, an Italian Cup, and an Italian Super Cup during his time with Inter.