Editorial Staff
Chelsea has verified that Romelu Lukaku has joined Roma on loan for the upcoming season.
The Belgian has joined former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho in the Italian capital, escaping Stamford Bridge’s purgatory.
Lukaku, who joined Chelsea for £97.5 million in 2021, sparked controversy by expressing his desire to return to Inter Milan just four months after signing a contract with the Blues.
The striker returned to Inter Milan on loan last season and has been looking to leave Stamford Bridge since his return this summer.
On Sunday, Chelsea continued discussions with Roma in an attempt to agree on a £7m loan fee for Lukaku, but ultimately settled for a £5m fee to secure his departure.
Lukaku was requested to reduce his annual salary of £17 million by £7 million.
Thursday, Chelsea issued a blunt statement confirming his departure: “Romelu Lukaku has completed a season-long loan move to Serie A club AS Roma.”
The Belgian international, who joined Chelsea in 2021’s summer, spent the previous season on loan at Inter Milan.
Lukaku will join former Chelsea head coach Jose Mourinho, who led Roma to the Europa League final last season, in the Italian capital.
During his tenure under Mourinho at Old Trafford, the 30-year-old scored 42 goals in 96 appearances.
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