Tuchel: ‘Lukaku did everything to jump at Chelsea chance’
Romelu Lukaku is under quarantine after the move from Inter, but coach Thomas Tuchel assures ‘he did everything to jump and take this chance’ of a return to Chelsea.
The striker completed his transfer for €115m last night, but due to COVID restrictions on travel, he will not be able to make his debut this weekend against Crystal Palace.
During the press conference today, Tuchel was discussing why the Belgium international returned to Stamford Bridge after winning the Scudetto at Inter.
“We are very happy to have Romelu back in our club. He is a great addition to the squad. With his speed and power, we think he will prove an excellent addition,” said the manager.
“He was super hungry and he did everything to jump and take this chance. He was a big player for Inter. It was his desire to finish his story at Chelsea.”
The 28-year-old rediscovered his form, confidence, fitness and scoring touch at Inter, last season finding the net 30 times with 10 assists in 44 competitive appearances between Serie A, the Champions League and Coppa Italia.
“We don’t want to be only a defensive team, only a possession team, only a team that plays long balls. Romelu gives us options to play different ways.”
Although Chelsea won the Champions League, and now also the European Super Cup, they did it without a recognisable prolific centre-forward.