Transfer Centre

Inter Milan, Juventus fans hit out at Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 18 July 2023

Inter, Juventus fans hit out at Chelsea forward Lukaku

Supporters of Inter Milan and Juventus both show their frustration at Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku, who their respective clubs have attempted to sign in recent weeks.

Inter Milan and Juventus supporters have both moved to indicate that Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku would not be welcome at their club.

Last season, a year after departing Inter for Chelsea in a £97.5m deal, Lukaku returned on a season-long loan deal to contribute 14 goals and seven assists in all competitions.

In the weeks since the end of the campaign, it appeared highly likely that the Belgium international would return to San Siro, providing that Inter and Chelsea officials could successfully negotiate a fee.

Instead, it became apparent over the weekend that Inter had been left furious that the 30-year-old had held discussions with Juventus, one of their fierce rivals, when they had been pushing to conclude a deal.

There have even been suggestions that Lukaku spoke to Juventus before the Champions League final, and it has subsequently resulted in Inter ending their interest in another reunion.

Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their first goal on February 18, 2023 © Reuters

Inter's ultras, known as Curva Nord, have now released a condemning statement aimed at Lukaku, accusing the striker of 'betrayal' and being a "vile cheap mercenary".

A statement read: "Those who betrayed you will do it again, not because they enjoy it, but because it falls within their nature. Yes, because you Romelu betrayed all of us, who defended you to the sword during your difficult period.

"We defended you when the fans of the team that sought you mocked you, now you repay us with a stab worthy of Brutus. You kissed the badge that is worth more than our lives to us and now like a vile cheap mercenary you're selling yourself to the highest bidder.

"Before being a champion you have to be a man. And you're not."

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri reacts on March 9, 2023 © Reuters

Juventus are reportedly keen to sign Lukaku as a replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, who may be sold to Paris Saint-Germain in the coming weeks.

However, a small number of supporters have been filmed chanting "we don't want Lukaku" outside of the club's medical centre, a development which will not be warmly felt at Chelsea.

Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are eager to sell Lukaku as soon as possible, and the withdrawal of Juventus from the race to sign their former club-record arrival would be deemed disastrous with few other suitors on the table.

There have been contrasting reports over whether Lukaku would consider a transfer to Saudi Arabia, with it believed that at least one club from that nation hold an interest in the former Everton and Manchester United attacker.