Romelu Lukaku returns to Inter: Football’s most infamous mercenary set to feel the wrath of San Siro

The Belgian appeared poised to make a permanent return to the Nerazzurri in the summer, but was in fact trying to reach an agreement a transfer to Juventus.

This week, Jose Mourinho has been at it once more. While simultaneously conveying his shock at being dismissed for ridiculing the coach of Monza on Sunday, he has pretended to be unconcerned about the commotion surrounding the imminent return of Romelu Lukaku to San Siro.

“I did not consider Lukaku to be that crucial for Milan,” the Roma manager stated to media on Wednesday. Romelu’s accomplishments in Milan, which included a Scudetto and several trophies, have been matched by two hundred players in Inter’s history.

“Lukaku’s transfer from Inter to Roma in order to assist his coach (Mourinho) is therefore intriguing: it’s a spectacle. However, the transfer of (Hakan) Calhanoglu from AC Milan to Inter is remarkable. Equally acceptable would be (Fabio) Cannavaro or (Christian) Vieri moving from Inter to Juventus or Milan, respectively.

“However, Lukaku’s transfer from Inter to Roma has begun to terrify me, as I never imagined he would hold such a significant position in the club’s heart. It takes me by surprise.”

However, Mourinho is fully aware of the reason why the entire Serie A preseason is centered on Lukaku. The Belgian was supposed to be donning the colors of Inter rather than the red of Roma at San Siro, and the manner in which he transitioned from one to the other continues to be a subject of great debate at La Pinetina.

‘He who betrayed our jersey’

Mourinho has previously attempted to lighten the mood, stating on DAZN in September, “Inter have no reason to be angry [with Lukaku] because… they already possess an extraordinary squad comprised of numerous attackers.” Romelu was an absolute necessity for their former mentor, so they ought to be overjoyed.

Nonetheless, Inter supporters are not overly fond of Mourinho. Their unwavering fondness for the charismatic manager who guided them to an unprecedented treble in 2010 will not diminish in any way the furious display of animosity that is anticipated in response to a player who not only wounded them once, but twice, broke their hearts. In fact, Inter supporters have eagerly anticipated this match since the 2023–24 schedule was released.

“October 29 is a date we should circle in the calendar so we can be ready to let him hear all our disgust that we feel towards someone who turned his back on us in the most shameful way,” the Curva Nord organization stated in a press release. “A character who demonstrated that he was a modest individual, given that one must be a man and honor one’s word in order to attain the rank of champion.” You reciprocated our sword-drawn defense by averting your gaze.

“The Curva Nord will distribute 50,000 whistles prior to the match against Roma, to be utilized with each contact of the ball originating from the individual who betrayed our jersey. “Let us collectively demonstrate the appropriate manner in which an individual who has demonstrated their unsuitability to wear this shirt should be handled.”

‘It was a moment to be silent’

The ire of the supporters is unquestionably rational. Lukaku recently stated that “everyone would be shocked” if they knew the truth about what transpired during the summer and that there were times when the “nonsense” being reported in the media nearly caused him to “erupt.”

In the most contemptuous manner imaginable, he refused to shed any light on the ostensibly mitigating circumstances that surrounded his abrupt decision to withdraw from a transfer to Inter.

“It was a moment to be silent and focus on myself,” he commented. “I concentrated on what I can do well: play football.” The narrative as a result has not been updated with any new information. The narrative remains unchanged.

Inter reached a decision on July 14, following extensive negotiations with Chelsea, aided by Lukaku’s representatives at Roc Nation Sports, to extend the striker’s loan to San Siro permanently for €35 million plus €5 million in add-ons. This was a significant financial investment for the cash-strapped Nerazzurri.

However, when they attempted to communicate with Lukaku, they received no response. Despite multiple attempts through diverse channels, Inter’s management team was unable to establish contact with the forward or his attorney. The silence of even Lukaku’s closest companions in the San Siro locker room was identical.

‘Are you sure he wants to join you?’

Nevertheless, the Gazzetta dello Sport reports that there were indications that Lukaku had abandoned the agreement, notwithstanding his prior public declarations of admiration for Inter and the city of Milan. Neither he nor his attorney had “gone too far” in terms of effort during the transfer negotiations. Additionally, he had ceased replying to texts and Whatsapp messages sent by his teammates.

Most revealingly, on the morning of the agreement, Chelsea’s negotiating team inquired of their Inter counterparts, “Are you certain he wants to join you?” Not even Inter was informed of the Blues’ U-turn; consequently, the Blues spent the hours that followed attempting to determine the situation. AC Milan and Juventus, both Serie A rivals, both verified that they had communicated with Lukaku’s representatives.

Because the covert negotiations with Juve had progressed to such a degree, Inter was indignant. Club directors and president Steven Zhang reached a unanimous decision to sever all connections with Lukaku and his team immediately.

After a thirty-second conversation during which Lukaku belatedly called Piero Ausilio, the Inter sporting director reportedly informed the attacker that the contract had expired and the club had no further plans for him.

Throwing his toys out of the pram

This viewpoint was also held by Simone Inzaghi’s squad. After Chelsea and Juventus failed to reach an agreement on a player-plus-cash deal involving Lukaku and Dusan Vlahovic, amid rumors that the transfer would be revived later in the window, Inter’s most influential players—Lautaro Martinez, Nicolo Barella, Federico Dimarco, and Alessandro Bastoni—made it clear that their former teammate was no longer welcome in the locker room.Regarding Lukaku, Inzaghi has refrained from offering criticism, stating solely that he was “an outstanding acquisition” for Roma.

However, it is evident that Lukaku was extremely disturbed by the coach’s choice to start Edin Dzeko alongside Martinez in the Champions League final of the previous season. This is completely understandable. It was evident prior to the match that the in-form Lukaku would cause more difficulty for Pep Guardiola’s defenders than the veteran Bosnian.

However, Inzaghi has maintained that his strategy to subdue City prior to attempting a sucker-punch in the second half was nearly successful. With Lukaku having missed one of two excellent opportunities that presented themselves after he was introduced from the bench, Inter would have deservedly demanded extra time.

Moreover, Inzaghi exerted pressure on his superiors to secure Lukaku’s permanent contract. Because he desired him at San Siro for the current campaign, Lukaku’s U-turn appeared to be a foolish display of defiance.

A ‘special’ bond

It is not as though matters have suddenly deteriorated for Lukaku in Rome. In his seven appearances in Serie A to date, he has amassed five goals and claims to have a “special” relationship with “The Special One,” going so far as to say he can “trust” Mourinho.

Conversely, the perpetually impish Mourinho asserts that all Lukaku needs is to “experience love and desire,” implying that he was devoid of such feelings while playing at San Siro.

Which, without a doubt, is complete nonsense. Despite abruptly departing for Chelsea in 2021 without expressing gratitude to Inter supporters, he was re-embraced and showered with tremendous support throughout one of the most arduous phases of his professional journey.

Lukaku fought valiantly for his starting position in Istanbul until the conclusion of the season, which was all that was required of him by Inzaghi. However, upon being omitted from the starting lineup in Istanbul, he subsequently discarded his prized possessions.

‘I demonstrate my ability on the field’

Undoubtedly, such conduct is not novel. The individual in question is Lukaku. His behavior is as follows. His abject lack of loyalty explains precisely why he is as despised at Stamford Bridge as he is presently at San Siro.

At this time, he stands as one of the most infamous mercenaries in the game and one of the most expensive players in football history in terms of cumulative transfer fees. Despite disappointing so many at Manchester United, Chelsea, and Inter, Juve supporters were abhorred at the thought of their club acquiring him this summer.

The fact that Mourinho was in such urgent need of a “champion” meant that Roma naturally greeted him with open arms. On Sunday evening, the Portuguese will be exceedingly pleased to have him on their side. He is cognizant of Lukaku’s continued prominence in Serie A. Even Lukaku is aware of this.

In fact, the persistent criticism he has faced in recent months is motivating him to improve, rather than undermining his confidence in his own capabilities. Lukaku himself claims that he is no longer infuriated by the detractors and is merely concerned with putting an end to their discourse.

He stated earlier this month, “I remain silent.” “I demonstrate [my ability] on the field.” Actually, this is for the best, since anything he says off-the-record no longer holds any significance.