Lukaku agent reveals Chelsea and Inter reasons
Agent Federico Pastorello released a statement on Romelu Lukaku’s €115m transfer, assuring it was nothing to do with money as Chelsea had been ‘on his mind for years,’ but also confirms Inter directors fought against owners to block the move.
The striker was bitterly criticised by many Nerazzurri fans for walking away just months after winning the Scudetto, which saw them dedicate a mural to him outside the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
He also outlined that he received ‘threats’ and insults, along with Lukaku, and decided to make his position clear by releasing the statement in both Italian and English.
“The narrative – that Lukaku’s transfer was ‘engineered’ and ‘forced’ just to pander to financial interests – is leading everyone absolutely astray.
“Where Lukaku has never publicly expressed any unease or discontent about his experience at FC Internazionale, his contractual situation or the well known events of the Club, the interest of Chelsea has really touched Romelu’s soul from the very first moment, because that club means to him something unique and special.
“In recent days I have seen a video from 2009 in which the 16-year-old visited the Stamford Bridge stadium with his school and swore that one day he would play on that pitch. I recommend everyone to watch it carefully: it’s impressive how clearly a 16-year-old boy was already drawing his future.
“He wanted to wear that shirt, he succeeded when he was only 18 and unfortunately he left before he could make his mark and win something important.
“The challenge remained like a bug in his heart and mind for all these years. And when, almost unexpectedly, the opportunity to try again came up – at the age of 28 after two seasons as a main player with FC Internazionale – he almost didn’t believe it. It was a chance to come full circle and being the exemplary professional that he is, he decided it was time to accept that challenge again.
“Believe it or not, the supporters’ affection and the special bond with the city of Milan made him think about it for a long time: but then, once he made his decision, he carried on with conviction and firmness.”
Pastorello also confirmed the reports that Inter directors and coach Simone Inzaghi fought hard against the idea of losing Lukaku, but notably did not mention President Steven Zhang or club owners Suning.
It had been reported that they actively battled President Zhang and the Chinese business side of the club to keep hold of the Belgium international.
“With regards to FC Internazionale, I can guarantee that the Sport CEO Giuseppe Marotta, the Sporting Director Piero Ausilio – as well as coach Simone Inzaghi, who worked at this personally – did everything in their power to avoid this transfer.
“But there are circumstances that go beyond their decision-making range and depend on the instructions of the owners.
“I conclude my thought with a reflection on that day two years ago when Romelu Lukaku signed for Internazionale. At that time many of those who today insult me and threaten me, thanked me wholeheartedly for bringing him to Milan.
“If they had told you: ‘Romelu, after scoring more than 60 goals in two seasons, bringing the Club back to the top with his teammates, playing in the Europa League final and winning the Italian league title that has been missing since 2010, being named MVP of the Europa League and Serie A, will leave the Nerazzurri bringing into the Club finances a record sum for the Italian football market; what would you have done? Would you have signed up for it straight away or not?’