Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku missed a series of chances in his final appearance on loan at Inter Milan as they faced Manchester City in the Champions League final on Saturday.
Inter Milan president Steven Zhang is determined to find a way to broker a new deal for Romelu Lukaku.
Zhang described the on-loan Chelsea striker as “amazing” even after Lukaku’s incredible miss in the Champions League final. Lukaku, 30, wants to stay at Inter for another season rather than return to Stamford Bridge this summer to try and resurrect his Chelsea career under Mauricio Pochettino.
Belgium striker Lukaku was only a substitute in the final but his performance will always be remembered for the jaw-dropping miss in the dying stages against Manchester City. Lukaku had the whole goal to aim at from point blank range but headed straight at City ‘keeper Ederson, who kept the ball out.
That miss will arguably be remembered even more than City midfielder Rodri’s winner in the final. It also highlighted all of Lukaku’s problems as he is no longer a starter at Inter, is wasteful in front of goal and his huge contract is a massive problem for Chelsea.
Lukaku was signed two years ago for £97.5m, has three years left on his £325,000-a-week deal and Inter cannot realistically afford to buy him so only want another loan deal which does not really help Chelsea as they look to balance the books.
But Zhang said: “He showed great attachment to Inter. He loves Inter, that’s very clear. He’s an amazing guy. But the guy has a contract with Chelsea, so we have to wait to talk to them to understand.”
Zhang told Sport Mediaset : “First of all, I want to congratulate City, they had a great season. At the same time, I am really, really proud to arrive here with my players, coach and staff. The performance confirms how strong we are. Before the game, everyone thought we were the underdogs, but the Final shows we are so strong and competing at the highest level possible.
”We are really, really proud. I think there are a lot of positives to reflect on this season and this is something we can reflect on. Coming to the Final and playing so well is valuable experience in our minds. No season is completely perfect, there is always improvement, but to top this season is something we need to work even harder on in daily life. We are really proud of everyone.”
Inter CEO Beppe Marotta has also spoken about Lukaku’s uncertain future, telling Radio Rai in May: “Romelu loves the shirt he wears, he is very comfortable at Inter. These are fundamental aspects, this desire of his to be with us”.
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