With his loan spell at Inter Milan coming to an end in June, Romelu Lukaku has now confirmed his stance on returning to Chelsea next season.
The Belgian striker netted a brace against Empoli on the weekend to take his tally to nine goals across all competitions for Inter this season. The double also marked the first time he has scored from open play in Serie A since August 2022.
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The 29-year-old has failed to live up to expectations at the San Siro since his quick return to the club from Chelsea, who splashed a massive €113 million (R2.2 billion) to bring him to Stamford Bridge in August 2021 before loaning him back to the Italian giants just one year later.
The Belgium centre-forward has also had a few fitness issues and injuries in this campaign, resulting in him missing 18 games, according to Transfermarkt.
Reports in Italy suggest that this, coupled with the Italian club's tricky financial position, means Inter are unlikely to re-sign the marksman after his loan comes to an end on 30 June.
However, Lukaku has revealed he has no interest in returning to his parent team in England and would rather remain in Milan instead.
"I have an excellent relationship with the fans and I've always tried to give everything for Inter because it gave me the opportunity to win two years ago," Lukaku said after Inter's 3-0 win over Empoli on Sunday, according to the Metro.
"This club has allowed me to become who I am today."
When asked if he wants to stay at the Nerazzurri beyond this season, Lukaku replied: "Yes, but guys, you have to pay attention to those things because the others [talk]. My goal is to give my best for Inter."
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Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta, though, has previously ruled out keeping the player beyond this campaign, citing his fitness as a factor.
"The loan was for one season so on 30 June, regardless of how well he plays, he'll go back to Chelsea," he told Sky Italy.
"This has been an unprecedented season – I'm referring, of course, to the World Cup. Lukaku hasn't found the fitness he needs to play his best football.
"He's still not at his best or the player we got to see in years gone by."
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