July 27th 2023.
Romelu Lukaku's move from Inter Milan to Chelsea has been one of the summer's most bizarre and controversial transfer sagas. After returning to the San Siro on loan last season, it was expected that Inter would make the move permanent as per the player's wishes.
However, Inter Milan pulled the plug on the transfer after seeing two bids rejected, and have been left incensed after discovering that fierce rivals Juventus are now pushing to sign the 30-year-old.
Lukaku's former strike partner, Lautaro Martinez, has admitted his disappointment with the situation. He told Gazzetta dello Sport: “I was disappointed, it’s the truth. I also tried to call him in those days of chaos, he never answered me, the same he did with my other companions. After so many years together, after so many things lived together, I was disappointed. Thankfully, it’s his choice. I wish him the best. But I didn’t expect this attitude.”
Inter legend Marco Materazzi, shared his discontent over the matter. He said: “Everyone is responsible for their own actions. Anyone who knows things knows that Inter did everything three times with Lukaku. The first, when they wanted him by taking him from United. The second, welcoming him back after the year at Chelsea. And the third, showing him that they want to buy him back. I’ve always been a great fan of Lukaku, I just want him to clarify. I would like Lukaku to say what he feels with an open heart, so many misunderstandings would be avoided. I know how much he cared about Inter, but I also know how much Inter cared about him.”
Materazzi added: “I say that talking would be the right thing to do. For the club, for the fans and also for the teammates, of course. Because everyone deserves respect. You’ve never seen a player leave after a Scudetto because he had the dream of Chelsea, then the same player was welcomed back as a prodigal son. And now going away like this is like a stab in the back.”
It seems that the bridges between Lukaku and Inter are now well and truly burnt. Lautaro Martinez and Marco Materazzi's comments demonstrate the hurt felt by Inter fans and teammates over the way he handled the situation. For now, it looks like Lukaku will get his wish and move to Juventus, but only time will tell if it was the right decision for the Belgian international.
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