Chelsea technical director and former goalkeeper Petr Cech has thrown his support behind exit-linked forward Romelu Lukaku, who, he believes, will come good next season. According to multiple sources, The Belgian could return to his former club Inter Milan this summer.
The Blues splurged 113 million euros on the centre-forward last summer transfer window to solve their issues in front of the goal. However, a measly return of 15 goals in 44 appearances, and several issues on and off the pitch, soured what should’ve been a cheerful homecoming for the striker.
Cech believes that injuries and illness halted Lukaku’s great start to the season. He also indirectly rubbished rumours of an impending return to Inter Milan, claiming that the forward will have a great season in 2022/23.
“I personally believe Romelu Lukaku will have a great season. Last season we saw how strong he can be when he came. Unfortunately, the long-term injury he sustained against Villa slowed everything down, and then he had COVID as well.
“We could see towards the end of the season when Romelu Lukaku was fit and ready to go how strong he is. We had a peculiar season with the COVID issues around Christmas. He was one of those players affected.
“I have full confidence Romelu Lukaku will bounce back and have a strong season,”
he said.
The Nerazzurri are reportedly exploring alternatives to bring Lukaku back to San Siro. Inter remain in financially distress, meaning a straight cash deal is unlikely. They are interested in discussing the terms of a temporary agreement with Chelsea, albeit a deal will only be agreed upon if it makes economic sense for the London club.
Inter signed Lukaku in 2019 from Manchester United for a club-record fee of 74 million euros. The forward enjoyed productive back-to-back seasons in Italy, scoring 34 and 30 goals, respectively, and leading Inter to the Serie A title in 2020/21.
