Romelu Lukaku’s return to Chelsea is official. The defending European champions paid a $135 million switch price to Italian league winner Inter Milan to accumulate the Belgian striker for a second spell after two years spent in Serie A.

Lukaku, who final performed for Chelsea between 2011 and 2014, has signed a five-year take care of the Blues that can see him stay in west London till 2026, when he turns 33.

Inter have been initially reluctant to half methods with the second highest scorer in Serie A (24 objectives final yr), however could not afford to show down Chelsea’s profitable supply amid an ongoing monetary disaster.

Lukaku’s first phrases

“I’m comfortable and blessed to be again at this excellent membership,’ mentioned Lukaku in an announcement on the Chelsea’s official web site . “It’s been an extended journey for me: I got here right here as a child who had lots to be taught, now I’m coming again with loads of expertise and extra mature.

“The connection I’ve with this membership means a lot to me, as you already know. I’ve supported Chelsea as a child and now to be again and attempt to assist them win extra titles is a tremendous feeling.

“The way in which the membership goes matches my ambitions completely at 28 and simply coming off profitable Serie A. I feel this chance comes on the proper time and hopefully we will have loads of success collectively.

“Since I left Chelsea, it’s been an extended journey with loads of ups and downs, however these experiences made me sturdy and the problem is to attempt to assist the staff win some extra trophies. I can’t wait to get began and to assist the membership obtain extra success.”

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: “Romelu Lukaku is kind of merely one of many world’s greatest strikers and goalscorers. We’re completely delighted to be bringing him again to the membership he loves, and are excited to be including his expertise to our Champions League-winning squad.”

Why did Chelsea goal Lukaku?

Chelsea might have conquered the Champions League for a second time final season, whereas additionally securing a fourth-place end within the Premier League final time period, however midfielder Jorginho was their high scorer within the league with seven objectives.

German ahead Timo Werner struggled to dwell as much as expectations following his $65 million transfer from RB Leipzig final summer time, scoring simply six Premier League objectives in 35 appearances, whereas back-up strikers Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud additionally struggled for consistency.

Giroud opted to affix AC Milan this offseason in quest of extra common minutes, leaving a spot open in Thomas Tuchel’s ranks for a brand new goal man, and Lukaku might be anticipated to stroll straight into his beginning lineup after solidifying his status as one of the crucial prolific forwards in Europe at San Siro.

The Belgium worldwide failed to attain a aim in 15 aggressive outings for Chelsea when he was final on their books, however he returns as a much more completed participant having fired Inter to their first Serie A crown in 11 years in 2020-21.

Lukaku comes full circle

Lukaku, who started his profession at Anderlecht in 2009, left Chelsea to affix Everton in 2014 amid an absence of standard minutes at Stamford Bridge, and went onto rating 87 objectives in 166 video games for the Toffees earlier than becoming a member of Manchester United.

The Purple Devils paid $105 million to deliver the frontman to Previous Trafford in 2017, and he scored 26 objectives in his debut season on the membership, however fell out of favor in 2018-19 amid persistent struggles for kind and health.

United accepted a loss on their preliminary funding after promoting Lukaku to Inter Milan on the finish of that marketing campaign, however he took his recreation to higher heights in Italy beneath Inter supervisor Antonio Conte.

Chelsea’s latest signing recorded 64 objectives and 16 assists in 95 complete appearances for the Nerazzurri, and can now be anticipated to assist the Blues launch a severe title problem when the brand new marketing campaign kicks off.