Inter confirm Romelu Lukaku return on season-long loan from Chelsea

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Inter confirm Romelu Lukaku return on season-long loan from Chelsea

Romelu Lukaku has sensationally returned to Inter on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

The striker only joined the Blues from Inter last summer in a blockbuster £97.5m transfer, but things swiftly went awry upon his return to Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku's season was derailed by poor form, an injury and a bout of Covid-19 before he made matters worse by giving a now-infamous interview to Italian media where he professed his love for the Nerazzurri.

Those factors ultimately made his position at Chelsea untenable, having soured his relationship with both the fans and head coach Thomas Tuchel. Although his manager was open to keeping him, Lukaku was clear that he wanted to return to San Siro and an exit was viewed as the best outcome for all concerned.

Inter have now confirmed that the 29-year-old has re-joined the Nerazzurri in an announcement media posted on the club's social media.

Chelsea later announced that the deal was a one-season long loan spell. Although an option to buy, an obligation to buy and an additional year were all discussed, 90min understands the two clubs came to an agreement on a straight one-year loan for the centre-forward, with Inter paying an €8m fee that could rise to €10m with add-ons.

Such was his desire to return to Milan, Lukaku even accepted a pay cut to help to overcome an Italian tax issue that had complicated matters.

While there is no obligation or option for a permanent transfer at this stage, sources have told 90min that there is scope for that to change in the future.

Although he finished the season as the Blues' top goalscorer, the Belgium only netted 15 times in all competitions - including just eight strikes in the Premier League. That was in stark contrast to the 64 goals in 95 games he rattled in for Inter.